Madison County Public Health COVID-19 Update

On Jan. 5, 2022 the Madison County Public Health Department was notified by the Montana Department of Health and Human Services that a sample collected from a Madison County resident was submitted to the Montana Public Health Lab, testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 and sequencing results detecting the first Omicron variant presence within Madison County.

Madison County Public Health has been anticipating confirmation of the presence of this new variant for approximately two weeks, and have been closely monitoring results for this purpose. The detection is not a reason for alarm, and should be regarded as recognition of effective epidemiologic surveillance efforts on behalf of local healthcare facilities providing testing and all efforts that lead to the sequencing process at Montana Public Health Lab. Sequencing results are not used in clinical treatment decisions.

Identifying this variant within Madison County assists us in predicting a rapid increase in case numbers in the coming weeks, as has happened in jurisdictions across Montana and throughout the United States. This variant will likely spread more easily than others we have already seen, but potentially yield milder cases overall. To support prevention of this spread as well as severe illness or complications, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination, masks, testing, and isolation of those confirmed ill.

Residents needing guidance in obtaining vaccination or testing are encouraged to contact MCPHD at (406) 843-4295 for assistance.