Flu cases in county, state on the rise; officials urge vaccines

Influenza activity is widespread in Montana with more than half of the counties reporting confirmed cases, state public health officials have said.

Influenza-related hospitalizations across the state have also increased. In early January — the latest figures available — there have been 101 hospitalizations reported this season, with more than half in the last two weeks.

Further, one death from complications of influenza was reported in a Hill County resident. DPHHS influenza surveillance for the 2013-14 season officially began on Oct. 1.

 “It is important that all individuals older than six months get vaccinated to protect themselves and others,” said DPHHS Director Richard Opper.

 The virus responsible for cases this year is the same H1N1 strain that circulated during the 2009 season. The current vaccine includes protection against H1N1 as well as other types of influenza expected to circulate. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received a number of reports of severe illness among young and middle-aged adults and strongly encourages those in these age groups to be vaccinated.

For more information regarding vaccination and the impact of influenza during the 2013/2014 season, visit the DPHHS website for influenza data, vaccine and prevention information at www.dphhs.mt.gov.