State officials issue influenza warning; monitor bird flu
State health officials are reminding Montanans to take precautions to protect against influenza infection.
Montana is currently experiencing widespread influenza activity, with cases and outbreaks reported in 96% of counties around the state.
Between Sept. 29, 2024 and Feb. 1, 2025, there were 5,791 confirmed cases of influenza, 317 influenza-related hospitalizations, and 16 influenza-associated deaths reported to the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).
Each week, DPHHS publishes data for influenza on the Montana Influenza Dashboard, available at https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/cdepi/diseases/Pan-Respiratory/InfluenzaDashboard.
Vaccination remains the best form of protection against serious outcomes of influenza infection, such as hospitalization or death due to infection. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems and other chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease) are at greatest risk for hospitalization and death due to infection, but healthy children and adults can still experience severe disease.
“It is not too late to get vaccinated for influenza this season,” said Magdalena Scott, DPHHS Communicable Disease Epidemiology Section Supervisor.
Several flu vaccines are available for Montanans ages six months and older. One dose offers protection for the full season (October – June). Montanans are encouraged to consult with a health care provider to determine their recommended vaccine options.
To find vaccine locations, visit vaccines.gov, or contact your local health department or health care provider.
In addition to vaccination, Montanans can also take everyday precautions to help stop the spread of respiratory illness. Those precautions include staying home if you are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness, washing your hands often with soap and water, covering your mouth anytime you cough or sneeze, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and avoiding contact with people experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness.
Symptoms of influenza infection may include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, body aches, and low energy. “If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult with your medical provider,” Scott said. “Your provider may recommend that you get tested to confirm a diagnosis. Antiviral medications are available for individuals with influenza infections.”
Individuals having trouble breathing, shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new onset of confusion or disorientation, inability to stay awake, or other severe or concerning symptoms should seek immediate medical evaluation.
State agencies also monitoring for HPAI
In addition to seasonal influenza, DPHHS and state animal health partners, including the Department of Livestock and the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP), are also monitoring highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) (also referred to as HPAI or avian flu).
HPAI infection is widespread among wild birds and sporadic outbreaks and infections among domestic poultry and other mammals have occurred in Montana since 2022.
Across the U.S., 68 human infections with HPAI have been identified since February 2024, including one death. No human cases of HPAI have been reported in Montana, and no human-to-human transmission has been documented. Most human infections occur after direct contact with poultry or dairy cattle infected with HPAI.
The risk of HPAI infection to the general public is low, and it is safe to consume properly handled and prepared poultry, eggs and pasteurized milk. However, some people are at higher risk of infection with HPAI, including individuals who work around sick poultry or dairy cattle, individuals who handle or consume raw milk and waterfowl hunters.
Recreating or working in areas with heavy amounts of waterfowl feces may also put someone at higher risk of infection. Members of the public should avoid interacting with wild birds and only observe them from a distance, if possible. Waterfowl may be infected with HPAI and not show symptoms, however other birds and mammals are often visibly ill.
Visit the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/index.html) for more information about HPAI in humans and the U.S. Department of Agriculture website (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections) for information about HPAI in domestic animals.
For information about HPAI in wild birds in Montana and precautions for waterfowl hunters, visit the FWP website at https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/diseases/avian-influenza.