HAMILTON — Local health officials report that there are now 20 active COVID-19 cases in the Bitterroot.
Ravalli County Public Health notes that they are experiencing a spike in cases so quickly that it is not being reflected on the Montana Response COVID-19 tracking map.
Wednesday morning's map showed 14 active cases.
Karyn Johnston with Ravalli County Public Health noted on Tuesday that COVID-19 cases were being found in Darby, Corvallis, Hamilton, and Stevensville. Three people are hospitalized.
She added that through contact tracing there are nearly 150 people in quarantine as they have been determined to be close contacts.
It has also been determined that Ravalli County has community spread of COVID-19 since several cases cannot be traced back to another positive case, according to Johnston.
Some of the Ravalli County cases have shown severe COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, cough, and shortness of breath.
Ravalli County Public Health is stressing that masks and physical distancing are measures proven to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
People with questions about COVID-19 can contact Ravalli County Public Health at (406) 375-6672.