HELENA, Mont. (AP) - A long-term care facility in northwestern Montana reported the deaths of four more residents due to complications of COVID-19 on Friday while four other deaths were reported around the state.
Officials with Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation in Whitefish have confirmed the outbreak at their facility, which has led to the deaths of 10 residents, the Flathead City-County Health Department said.
More than 75% of the facility’s residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since August, health officials said.
The facility’s executive director, Reid Crickmore, has told the Flathead Beacon that the outbreak stemmed from an asymptomatic staff member.
Montana reported another 124 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the number of known cases to nearly 8,800.
The number of infections is thought to be far higher because not everyone has been tested and people can be infected with the virus without having symptoms.
Twenty-six of Montana’s 131 deaths due to complications of COVID-19 have been reported in September.
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.
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