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Public health: local influenza cases, Legionnaires investigation and national measles rise noted
Summary
Public health staff told the committee influenza activity is local but increasing, described a Legionnaires disease investigation at two facilities with short‑ and long‑term mitigation underway, and noted the national measles outbreak statistics and local testing activity.
Public health staff provided updates on communicable disease activity.
Influenza: Activity was described as "local" but increasing; March saw two influenza hospitalizations. Staff also reported three COVID hospitalizations and four or five RSV hospitalizations in March.
Legionnaires disease: Public health reported a February case of Legionnaires disease in Polk County, coordinated an investigation with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and tested water at two facilities. Both facilities are conducting short‑term mitigation steps, have notified patients and staff, and are working on longer‑term mitigation plans with public health and DHS.
Measles: Staff summarized national data (as of April 3 there were 607 confirmed U.S. cases, 12% hospitalized and 3 deaths) and said Polk County averages one to two measles tests sent to the State Lab of Hygiene per week; providers remain alert for suspected cases.
Staff emphasized the need for provider vigilance and noted the department's routine processes for investigation and mitigation of communicable disease events.
