Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana

Articles written by Karen Wandel


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  • Widespread flu activity reported

    Karen Wandel, RN Jefferson County Health Department|Feb 7, 2018

    According to Montana Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Montana closed January with widespread influenza activity. The number of Montanans reported to be infected with “the flu” increased over the past several weeks, with a high of 723 new cases last week. Since the start of the flu season in October, over 3,290 people have tested positive for influenza, 423 have been hospitalized, and 21 adults 50 years and over have died. Locally, flu activity continues to be reported in all 3 regions of Jefferson County for a total of 55 cas...

  • Flu Season Hits Jefferson County

    Karen Wandel, RN Jefferson County Health Department|Jan 24, 2018

    The influenza season is upon us. According to Montana Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS), influenza is widespread right now in Montana and most of the US. Over 300 Montanans have been hospitalized this flu season and 18 deaths have been reported, most have been 65 or older. Locally, flu activity has been reported in the north, central and south sections of the county. Jefferson County has had 4 individuals hospitalized with the flu, one of whom has died. Nearly 2000 people have tested positive for flu since the start of the season...

  • Jefferson County Joins Several Counties with Early Flu Activity

    Karen Wandel, RN Jefferson County Health Department|Sep 20, 2017

    With the first case of influenza confirmed in Jefferson County last week and several others in 5 other Montana counties, it looks like the 2017-18 flu season has begun. Last Friday, the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) announced that 14 laboratory-confirmed influenza infections were reported across the state, with 3 of them hospitalized. Ages of the patients ranged from infant to 91 years. Other counties reporting flu were Cascade, Lewis and Clark, Missoula, Flathead, and Yellowstone. This is an abrupt start to the...

  • Epidemic of obesity still exists nationally

    Karen Wandel, RN for Jefferson County Health Department|Apr 12, 2017

    If a person wanted to improve her overall health, what would have the most impact? Many factors can influence an individual’s health including genetics, obesity, physical activity and diet. Genetics gives us the structure within which we get to operate, but the other factors are under our control. Americans spend billions each year on dietary supplements, exercise equipment and memberships to seek health improvements or weight loss. But how many of us have paid the gym membership, bought the treadmill, bought the supplement and the only c...

  • Jefferson County records first flu death of 2017

    Karen Wandel, RN for Jefferson County Health Department|Mar 8, 2017

    Jefferson County has recorded its first influenza death this year in a hospitalized individual, a reminder of how severe influenza can be. The person was over 65 years of age and had more than one chronic health condition. Fourteen Montanans have died from influenza this flu season, all adults 50 years and older. In Montana and nationwide, the highest rate of influenza hospitalizations has occurred in the 65 and over age group. Children under 5 and adults 50-64 age groups have the next highest rates of flu hospitalization. The influenza season...

  • Preventing norovirus from attending holiday gatherings

    Karen Wandel, RN, PH Supervisor Jefferson County Health Department|Nov 30, 2016

    Tis the season to share your dinner table with relatives and friends. The holiday season hits just after Montana DPHHS logged in 7 gastrointestinal (GI) outbreaks in the first three weeks of November. Five of these GI outbreaks have been caused by norovirus, a bug that causes 1-3 days of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea sometimes accompanied by fever, chills and body aches. It is highly contagious and can be spread either directly from a sick person, or indirectly from contaminated food or commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, remote...

  • First flu in County Confirmed

    Karen Wandel, RN, PH Supervisor Jefferson County Health Department|Nov 23, 2016

    The first case of influenza in a Jefferson County resident was confirmed last week. The adult was not hospitalized but did seek medical care for the illness. Influenza (“the flu”) is a highly contagious illness that is often recognized by its sudden onset of fever, cough, body aches, and fatigue. Statewide in recent weeks much influenza activity has been reported in Missoula County, as well as some in Flathead, Gallatin, and Park counties. Six people have been hospitalized and 50 infections confirmed since October 1st in Montana. Influenza A (...