HELENA – As of Friday afternoon, St. Peter’s Health lifted visitor restrictions at the hospital due to a decreased prevalence of norovirus.
Lewis and Clark Public Health officials, however, will continue to track the highly contagious disease along with whooping cough.
Since Wednesday, health officials have seen two additional cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, which brings the total number of recent cases in the county to nine.
Whooping cough is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a specific type of bacteria. It can be dangerous and potentially fatal in children under the age of one. There is a vaccine available.
Public health reported there have also been 19 lab-confirmed cases of norovirus and 18 hospitalizations with 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.
Norovirus and other gastrointestinal illnesses are still present in the area, and organization representatives want to remind people who are exhibiting any symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever or body aches, to not visit the Regional Medical Center unless seeking care.
