HELENA – Montana health officials report that flu activity is increasing in the Treasure State.
The Department of Public Health and Human Services weekly report shows the state has now seen its first reported influenza outbreak of the 2018-2019 season.
According to the report, the outbreak occurred in a hospital setting and comes as state health officials say the flu virus has become active in at least two regions in the state.
There were 51 new cases reported for the week ending on December 22 bringing the total number of cases this season to 144 — with 13 hospitalizations and two deaths.
Influenza has now been reported been reported in 24 counties with the most common influenza subtype identified this season is Influenza A H1N1 (2009).
Missoula County leads the state with 27 reported flu cases so far this season with Cascade County reporting 18 cases and Lewis and Clark County following with 17. However, Gallatin and Glacier counties saw the highest number of new cases over the last reporting period.
