The Cascade City-County Health Department (CCHD) has seen an increase in reported influenza cases in Cascade County.
In a Thursday press release, officials state surveillance efforts are finding a number of the influenza cases are presenting themselves without a fever and are showing more cold-like symptoms.
CCHD wants to remind residents about the continued risk of influenza in the community and how people can protect themselves from the contagious illness.
Influenza is a potentially life-threatening respiratory illness with symptoms that may include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.
The flu virus is contagious and spreads from person to person through droplets when sneezing or coughing. It can also spread when a person touches an object with the virus on it and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes.
The CCHD stated the best line of defense against the influenza is to get the flu shot. Even if the vaccine does not completely prevent influenza, it can still help lessen the intensity and duration of the illness, according to the press release.
CCHD offers the flu shot on a walk-in basis during clinic hours. The Public Health Nurses are available to assist people interested in receiving their flu shot, no appointment necessary. In addition, there is no cost with most insurance and all forms of payment are accepted.
The Clinic is open on Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Wednesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(December 3, 2018) The passing of a 6-year-old Missoula girl has been confirmed as the state’s first influenza-related death of the 2018-2019 flu season.
The Missoula City-County Health Department, along with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, have confirmed 6-year-old Allison Eaglespeaker passed away on Saturday, December 1 due to the flu.
The young girl was admitted to the hospital on Friday night, according to her mother Crystal White Shield.
Crystal said in a Facebook post that her daughter was quickly moved to the ICU due to a combination of the flu, pneumonia, and asthma.
Allison was a kindergartner at Russell Elementary School.
Teachers and staff offered support for students on Monday who have questions about Allison and simply about the loss of a life.
Missoula County Public Schools spokesperson Hatton Littman said support is different for young kids compared to some of the older high school students.
MCPS also encourages parents to talk about grief and loss if students have questions.
Nationwide, the CDC reports there have been five flu-related pediatric deaths so far this season.
In Montana, the last flu-related pediatric death occurred during the 2017-2018 influenza season when one child under the age of 18 died.
Health officials said influenza activity is currently at low levels in Montana. However, this is expected to change in the coming weeks.
This season, there have been 36 cases and six hospitalizations reported in Montana. This includes twelve cases and one influenza-related hospitalization in Missoula County.
Last season, more than 10,000 cases, 979 hospitalizations and 79 deaths were reported across Montana, including seven deaths in Missoula County.
In Montana, influenza activity increases in December and peaks in January and February.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help Allison’s family with funeral costs.
-Reported by Kent Luetzen/MTN News
