Flu cases spike in Flathead County

Local influenza cases are on the rise, according to a recent report from the Flathead City-County Health Department that showed 86 cases were reported so far in January, up from just nine in December.

The case count aligns with the statewide trend found by the Department of Health and Human Services, which showed 332 cases were reported in Montana in the third week January.

To date, 978 cases have been reported this flu season for Montana, which typically runs from early November through May. The cases have resulted in 58 hospitalizations and two deaths, one of which was a child.

The state report, released Jan. 19, shows most recently reported cases up to that date had occurred in western Montana. Cascade, Lewis and Clark, Ravalli, Missoula, Lake and Flathead counties all reported between 11 and 50 cases during the third week in January.

A communicable disease report on last year’s 2017 to 2018 flu season shows Flathead County reported 1,250 cases total — the most of any county in the western half of the state.

The increase in influenza cases this season has resulted in temporary visitor restrictions at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, the HealthCenter and Pathways Treatment Center. Kalispell Regional officials say restrictions are common among hospitals and allow staff to isolate patients with contagious diseases.

Common signs of the flu include nasal congestion, chills and a headache. State and county officials encourage people exhibiting symptoms to stay home from work and school and steer clear of public spaces.

Reporter Kianna Gardner can be reached at 758-4439 or kgardner@dailyinterlake.com