Nine cases of pertussis and one case of influenza have been confirmed in Flathead County, according to the city-county health department.
The Flathead City-County Health Department received reports of nine new cases of pertussis, also called whooping cough, since Oct. 15. Eight of the cases are school-age children attending three different school districts in the county. At least six ill individuals are not fully immunized against pertussis. These cases are unrelated to the two previously reported cases at the beginning of the school year. The Health Department has contacted all known contacts of these cases.
Seasonal flu has been confirmed after one case was recently reported. October 19.
“This confirmation indicates that influenza is circulating in our community. We want to encourage the public to receive their flu shot to protect themselves and their loved ones,” Community Health Services Director Jody White said in a statement.
The Health Department will expand immunization hours and staffing next week. Flue shots will be available on a walk-in basis from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be an influenza vaccine clinic at the Village Greens Community Center Tuesday Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon.
The health department is urging everyone to try and prevent transmitting flu by frequent hand washing, covering a cough and staying home when ill. Influenza virus usually spreads person to person by coughing or sneezing. It is also possible to become infected by touching something with flu virus on it, and then touching your mouth or nose. Most adults are infectious one day before they have symptoms.
Persons with pertussis should not go to day care, school, work or public gatherings until at least five days after starting an antibiotic. To prevent secondary cases, it is important that all household and close contacts including classmates be treated with medication at the same time as the ill persons. Individuals who have been exposed and are exhibiting symptoms of pertussis should stay home from school or work until they can seek medical advice. Health officials urge those who have had a cough lasting more than one week to consult their health care provider.