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Missoula County still leads state in reported flu cases

Posted at 8:01 AM, Dec 31, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-31 10:01:06-05

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 that 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, Cascade and Lewis and Clark counties continue to have the highest number of cases. However, Gallatin and Glacier counties saw the highest number of new cases over the last reporting period.

Missoula County leads the state with 27 confirmed flu cases so far this season.