HELENA – Montana health officials reported another 121 confirmed COVID-19 cases from Saturday through Monday, marking one of the state’s highest three-day totals since the pandemic began as infections continue to surge.
Health officials announced 39 new cases on Saturday, 45 on Sunday and 37 on Monday, pushing the statewide total so far to almost 1,250 cases.
The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
More than a third of the newly confirmed cases over the weekend were in Yellowstone County, which includes Billings.
Yellowstone County has 149 known active cases, the most in the state, followed by 83 in Gallatin County, which includes Bozeman, and 74 in Missoula County.
There are now almost 550 active cases that have been confirmed statewide.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.
No new deaths were reported over the weekend, leaving the toll at 23 people killed by COVID-19. Twenty people remained hospitalized with the virus as of Monday.