Six new cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, were confirmed Thursday afternoon in Flathead County, hiking the total to 36, according to the health department.
Four of the cases received today were in the same class as a child identified on Tuesday as having pertussis, officials said. The four children and others were referred for testing and treated immediately.
“Timely investigation and education of exposed individuals is imperative in controlling the spread of disease,” Health Officer Joe Russell said in a statement.
Whooping cough has now been found in nine schools in Flathead County.