County officials concerned as flu cases increase

As they are across Montana, cases of the flu virus are up in Lincoln County.

County Public Health Manager Jennifer McCully said there is quite a bit of concern because people will soon be getting together for holiday gatherings.

“The flu is a bit different this year because there are so many more cases at this time of year than what we normally see,” McCully said.

McCully provided a chart that shows how cases of the flu virus typically begin showing up in October and peak in the latter part of February and early March in Montana over a five-year period from 2018 to 2022.

But this year, the number of new cases, nearly 1,000, rose sharply for the week ending Dec. 3. Typically, in Montana, that number of cases doesn’t appear until the end of January.

According to state figures, there were more than 50 new hospitalizations reported last week.

For the season to date, the department has reported 2,708 total flu cases, 120 hospitalizations and two deaths associated with flu. In yet another illustration of the difference between 2022 and previous year,

Lincoln County reported a total of 70 cases with two hospitalizations during the week ending Dec. 10.

State data shows the current flu season in Montana starting far in advance of recent seasons, with the first cases cropping up in mid-October. Over the last five seasons, the first cases weren’t reported until early December.

Most of the current flu hospitalizations in the state are patients over 65 years old. Fewer than 10 of the hospitalizations are patients under 18. Both of the reported flu-related deaths were in individuals over 65.

But McCully said there have been 21 juvenile deaths due to the flu across the country.

Gallatin County has seen the worst flu outbreak in the state, with 830 cases reported so far this season.

Influenza A is the dominant influenza type circulating in Montana, according to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services.

Health experts recommend getting a flu vaccination and proper hand washing to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

The county health department offers flu shots. McCully said people can walk in most weekdays or call 406-283-2463 to schedule an appointment.

Alongside the rise in flu cases, state data shows Covid is still circulating. Lincoln County reported 14 active Covid cases as of Dec. 8 and 17 new cases.

Yellowstone County reported the highest level of new Covid cases, with 346 active cases on Dec. 9. Cascade County had 237 active cases.

Montana Department of Health and Human Services also warned that circulation of RSV is increasing in Montana, with a positivity rate near 16% last week.