Montana sees 23rd virus death, 45 new cases reported

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana health officials reported 45 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, and counted the 23rd death related to the coronavirus.

A woman in her 60s in Big Horn County died of complications due to COVID-19 after being hospitalized, according to county officials. This marks the fourth death related to the virus in Big Horn County.

The state's cumulative case count is 1,128.

The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.

Seventeen people are hospitalized and 678 have reportedly recovered.

Gov. Steve Bullock urged Montana residents on Thursday to wear a mask and practice social distancing while in public, but stopped short of issuing a statewide mandate to that effect.

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.