Whooping cough in the Flathead continues to spread, with health officials confirming 25 cases in the county. The health department says new cases involve fifth graders at two rural schools.
The health department also confirmed on Tuesday that two of yesterday?s reported cases are at Evergreen Middle School and Trinity Lutheran School in Kalispell. Whooping cough has now made its way to eight school districts in Flathead County. NBC Montana sat down on Tuesday with a substitute nurse at Kalispell Middle School, where several infected students are enrolled.
?Since last Thursday, it?s been very, very busy, and I think the health department is swamped as well,? said Cathy Meredith. ?We?ve had lots of calls, lots of kids coming in with coughs that want to know what they should do, and lots of parents calling to see what they should do.?
Meredith said anybody who?s had a cough longer than a week that isn?t getting better should see his or her health care provider. Health department officials say vaccines are available for individuals 2 months old and older. Folks can call the health department at 751-8110 for more information.
