A ninth person in Montana has been confirmed to have COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.
The new patient is a man in his 20s in Gallatin County, according to the Gallatin City-County Health Department, and the man is said to be in good condition at his home.
The Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services confirmed the case on Tuesday, March 17th.
Matt Kelley, health officer with GCCHD, said the man returned to Montana from Europe on March 12 and had symptoms of the virus. He was tested on March 13 and the results came back on March 17.
Kelley said that the man was diligent in self-isolating and that saved many potential contacts and exposures. “It drives home why it's so important that when people are sick they hunker down in their homes and seek medical care,” Kelley said.
The other eight cases confirmed in Montana are:
- Missoula County: man in his 20s
- Yellowstone County: woman in her 20s
- Gallatin County: man in his 40s; recovering at home; acquired through international travel
- Yellowstone County: woman in her 50s; recovering at home; acquired through international travel
- Butte-Silver Bow County: man in his 50s; recovering at home; acquired domestically in affected areas out of state
- Broadwater County: man in his 50s; recovering at home; acquired domestically in affected areas out of state
- Missoula County (2): a man in his 50s, and a woman in her 30s
We will keep you updated as we get more information.
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To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, you can take the following steps to protect yourself and your family.
- To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, you can take the following steps to protect yourself and your family.
- Stay home if you’re sick,
- Cover your cough and sneezes with the crook of your elbow or a tissue
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and wash your hands frequently
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
- Call ahead to a healthcare professional if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread. Tell your healthcare professional about your recent travel or contact.
NOTE: In addition to the confirmed cases actually IN Montana, there is another Montanan confirmed to have COVID-19. That person, from Lake County, is a part-time Montana resident with no documented exposures or close contacts in Montana, and was not tested in Montana. She was tested and diagnosed in Maryland, where she currently is residing.