Mpox

Two federal scientists based in Montana have been charged for allegedly smuggling samples of a virus into the country earlier this year. They work for Rocky Mountain Laboratories, a high-level research facility in the Bitterroot Valley. The lab studies infectious diseases and is overseen by the National Institute of Health.

The first case of Monkeypox in Montana was confirmed in a Flathead County in early August, followed by another in Gallatin County. State health officials say they have received vaccines and are working with local public health departments to track the virus.

State health officials Friday announced the first confirmed case of monkeypox in Montana. The case was found in Flathead County.

As of today, Montana is one of only eight states left without a reported case of monkeypox. Missoula public health officials suspect it’s only a matter of time before that changes.