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State and local health officials are reporting increased West Nile virus (WNV) activity in several counties across the state this week, including the first three human cases for 2023, which have been identified in Dawson, Rosebud, and Yellowstone counties. These three cases range in ages from the late 30s to early 70s, including two males and one female. All cases were hospitalized for their illnesses. Additionally, this week, two horses were diagnosed with WNV infections in Hill and Pondera counties. Mosquito pools also tested positive for WNV...
Ahead of farmer’s market season, Montana farmers are encouraged to join the state’s Farm Direct Program. “This is an excellent opportunity for farmers to get additional sales on their locally grown fruits and vegetables,” said Lacy Little, Montana Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program director that oversees Farm Direct. “It also helps WIC participants access locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables during the summer months.” Farm Direct is administered through nine local WIC agencies including: Gallatin County WIC, Lewis and Clark Count...
Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) officials are urging Montanans to be aware of the importance of appropriate antibiotic use during U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week Nov. 18-24. This is an annual observance that provides participating organizations in the state’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Program an opportunity to raise awareness about antibiotic use to combat the threat of antibiotic resistance. DPHHS officials state that while antibiotics are a common treatment for numerous bacterial infections, they are not always the a...
In Montana, 5% of adults are blind or have low vision. The obstacles of living in a world without vision can feel insurmountable, from trying to navigate one's outdoor surroundings to purchasing a bag of chips at a grocery store. Yet, many thrive and live great lives with little or no sight. In the newest series of episodes from DPHHS Talking Health in the 406 podcast, guest Jacob Krissovich shares his story of life without sight. Born with normal vision, Krissovich began to lose vision in his...
State and local public health officials are reporting the season’s first West Nile virus (WNV) detections in positive mosquito samples in Dawson and Lewis and Clark counties. The first horse infected with WNV this season was also confirmed earlier this week in Lewis and Clark County. To date, no human cases of WNV have been identified this season. Increased risk of WNV infection in humans and horses is expected to continue through at least October. The detection of WNV in mosquitoes and horses is an early warning that Montanans are at an i...
Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Adam Meier has announced today the agency is conducting a Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults to help learn the priorities of Montanans related to services provided by the state. DPHHS, in partnership with the 10 Area Agencies on Aging, is conducting the survey of older adults to learn how best to accommodate their needs. “I encourage all Montanans 55 and older to participate in the survey,” Meier said. “We’d really like to hear from as many people as possible so that we can bet...
Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Adam Meier announced today that new online resources have been added to ParentingMontana.org for parents or those in a parenting role. The new resources include podcasts featuring parenting experts, guidance and information about teens and marijuana and other drug misuse, and more tools and resources covering vital topics such as stress and childhood trauma. “Parents and those in a parenting role are the most important influence in a child’s life, and we know, for example, tha...
Montana health care providers can now offer third doses of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to certain immunocompromised individuals following new recently announced federal recommendations. “This is great news because we know the impact COVID-19 has with high-risk groups,” DPHHS Director Adam Meier said. “The updated recommendations will ensure those most vulnerable to complications from COVID-19 can get as much protection as possible.” Meier said while authorized vaccines have proven to be more than 90% effective in protecting against...
