HELENA – Lewis and Clark Public Health continues to track instances of two highly contagious diseases that have shown up in the community.
Since Wednesday, health officials have seen two additional cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis.
That brings the total number of recent cases in the county to nine.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a specific type of bacteria. It can very dangerous and potentially fatal in children under the age of one.
Public health also confirmed that there have been 19 lab confirmed cases of norovirus, 18 hospitalizations, and dozens more exhibiting symptoms.
Symptoms for norovirus can include: vomiting, stomach pain, body aches and fever.
Proper hygiene, including regular hand washing can help prevent the spread of norovirus.
There is a vaccine for whooping cough.
Norovirus and other gastrointestinal illnesses are still present in our local area, and organization representatives remind the community that those exhibiting any Norovirus symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever or body aches, should not visit the Regional Medical Center unless they are seeking care.
The community’s patience and understanding is appreciated as we work to reduce the spread of Norovirus and keep our patients and employees safe.
