Coronavirus claims first Missoula patient; statewide cases climb to 298

Local health officials on Saturday announced the first death in Missoula caused by the COVID-19 virus, making it the state's sixth death.

No information about the patient was released.

“The Missoula City-County Health Department is deeply saddened to announce that a Missoula resident passed away from complications due to COVID-19 infection,” a statement from the department read. “Our team at the health department sends our deepest condolences to their family, friends, and loved ones at this terrible time.”

The department said the loss will be felt across the city.

“We cannot release details about the individual other than they were middle-aged or older. We wish to respect the family’s privacy and cannot tell the family how incredibly sorry we are for their loss. This death is the sixth in the state and the first in our county.”

State and local health officials also confirmed the 18th case of coronavirus in Missoula County and the 2nd case in Ravalli County in testing results released Saturday morning.

The patient in Missoula was identified only as a female under the age of 29, while the Ravalli County patient was identified as a male in his sixties.

As of Sunday night, the number of cases in Montana stands at 298, but less than 7,000 tests have been completed.

“Today we solemnly learned of another death in Montana from COVID-19. My heart goes out to the loved ones of this fellow Montanan," Gov. Steve Bullock said Saturday in a statement. "Each loss of life impacts another community and another family – and indeed, all of us through our shared bond as Montanans. We stay at home to slow the spread and save lives, and to protect frontline health care workers in both urban and rural communities.”