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Ashland County reports high influenza activity, continuing COVID monitoring and Narcan vending success
Summary
Public health staff told the board that influenza A activity is at a sustained very high level, local flu vaccination rates have fallen to 33%, the DATCP environmental health audit went well for the county but consortium scoring reduced averages, and three public-health vending machines have distributed 313 Narcan kits in roughly a year.
Ashland County Health and Human Services staff reported sustained, very high influenza A activity locally and statewide, increased RSV activity in preschool-aged children, and COVID-19 levels that are moderate to low and trending down in some areas.
Public health officials said the current flu vaccination rate for both the state and Ashland County is 33 percent, down from prior seasons when county rates were 36, 41 and 46 percent. Staff said vaccines remain available by appointment or walk-in and that vaccinated people appear less likely to be hospitalized or die from complications this season.
Why it matters: Low vaccination coverage is a contributing factor to high flu activity; county officials urged continued vaccination to reduce severe outcomes.
Staff also reported an environmental health audit under the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) consortium went well for Ashland County individually; however, the consortium average was lowered by a counterpart's weaker review and a corrective action plan will address consortium-wide items.
Separately, the county's three public-health vending machines are approaching one year in service. Staff reported the machines have dispensed 228 boxes of Narcan and 85 "Go" kits, for 313 Narcan-related distributions in total, averaging about 6.5 boxes per week across the three machines. The machines also stock fentanyl test strips, medication disposal bags, condoms, medication lock boxes and COVID tests as available.
Board members asked about consortium reporting and whether the county's lower audit score would require local corrective action; staff confirmed corrective actions will involve consortium partners and some items do not pertain directly to Ashland County.
Ending: Staff encouraged residents to access flu vaccination and the vending-machine resources and said they will continue to monitor seasonal illness trends and report back to the board.
