The Flu is Back

Flu season has arrived in western Montana.

During the week ending on December 23, Montana witnessed an 82% surge in influenza cases, with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services reporting 1,652 cases compared to 904 cases in the previous week. Almost 43% of the total number of cases for the season were recorded during that week, marking a significant increase from the same period in 2022.

The flu season has led to 185 hospitalizations and 7 deaths in Montana, with the most affected counties being Flathead, Gallatin, Cascade, and Yellowstone.