Arts & Entertainment
ASK DR. DUNN: West Nile Virus
Published
12 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Maren Dunn, D.O., Explorebigsky.com Health Writer
Should I be worried about West Nile Virus? How will I know if I have it?
West Nile Virus, named for the location of its initial identification in Uganda in 1937, has become alarmingly prevalent in recent years in the U.S. So far this year, 43 states have reported a total of 693 cases of illness in humans, 26 of which have resulted in death. However, only two cases have been reported in Montana, and these were Phillips and Sheridan counties in the eastern part of the state.
The virus is transmitted primarily by mosquitos, and it can infect birds and other animals, as well. Warm and wet conditions, especially in the southern U.S., are considered the culprit for this year’s increase in cases.
West Nile Virus has three outcomes in humans: 80 percent of infections cause no symptoms; 20 percent cause flu-like symptoms of fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, enlarged lymph nodes and sometimes a rash; and less than 1 percent cause severe symptoms like weakness, numbness, confusion, paralysis, headache and neck pain. These severe symptoms can lead to life-threatening neurologic complications that require immediate medical attention. The milder symptoms usually clear on their own in a matter of days to weeks. Ultimately, a blood test can confirm if West Nile Virus is the offender.
The best way to protect against West Nile Virus is to prevent mosquito bites. Using insect repellent is helpful. Also, staying indoors or wearing long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk is a good idea. It’s extremely important to drain or change water from places like bird baths, tire swings, wading pools, animal dishes and flower pots where mosquitos could breed.
If you’re concerned you may have West Nile Virus, see a medical provider as soon as possible for evaluation.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
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15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
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Verge Theater
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
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March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
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Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
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Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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