Missoula Public Health (MPH) and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) confirmed an influenza death in Missoula County. This is the first death in Montana for the 2025-2026 influenza season. Health officials send their condolences to the family and loved ones.
This season, there have been 234 reported cases of influenza, 6 hospitalizations and now one death in the state of Montana. In Missoula County alone, there have been 7 reported cases of influenza since October 5, 2025. You can find more information on the Montana DPHHS website.
Influenza or “the flu,” is a severe respiratory illness that spreads through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include high fever, chills, headaches, exhaustion, sore throat, cough and body aches. It may take 1-4 days after being exposed to the virus for symptoms to develop. Additionally, flu can spread one day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick.
In Missoula County and nationwide, hospitalization rates are increasing for respiratory illnesses, including the flu and COVID-19. Getting vaccinated remains the best tool along with basic prevention measures to protect everyone in the community from respiratory illnesses. National health organizations such as the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Gynecology and Obstetrics (ACOG) recommend anyone six months and older receive the seasonal flu vaccine. No vaccine is 100% effective. However, getting the vaccine reduces the number of flu illnesses, makes symptoms less severe, and reduces the number of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths in people who have been vaccinated and still get sick.
Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines are available through the Missoula Public Health Immunization Clinic located at 301 W. Alder St. on the first floor of the building. MPH offers a sliding fee scale, so no one is turned away for inability to pay. The clinic is open for walk-in appointments Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by appointment only on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 406-258-3363 with questions or to schedule an appointment. Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should talk to their healthcare provider.
Health officials encourage everyday precautions to stop the spread of influenza including:
- Getting vaccinated.
- Wearing a mask if you are sick and need to go out in public.
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Washing hands often with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
- Staying home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, unless you medical care or necessities.