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Public health warns of active respiratory season; Polk reports pertussis cases and notes regional bird‑flu detection
Summary
Polk County public health described a busy respiratory season with elevated COVID‑19, influenza and RSV activity, reported 16 pertussis cases in 2024, and noted a December commercial flock positive for avian influenza in neighboring Burnett County; statewide hospitalizations since October were presented.
Polk County public health staff updated the committee on communicable‑disease activity, describing a high respiratory‑virus season and noting county and regional surveillance findings.
The nut graf: Staff said COVID‑19, influenza and RSV activity increased regionally; Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) hospitalization tallies since October included seven COVID‑19 hospitalizations and 20 influenza hospitalizations statewide. The county also reported 16 pertussis (whooping cough) cases in 2024. Staff emphasized biosecurity for domestic flocks after a commercial flock in Burnett County tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in December.
Public health noted DHS focuses on hospitalization monitoring and that the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) oversees animal surveillance. Presenters urged residents to avoid contact with sick wild animals, maintain biosecurity for backyard flocks, contact a veterinarian for ill animals, and follow public health guidance if exposed. Staff said no human HPAI cases were reported in Polk County at the time of the meeting.
Presenters also reminded the public that routine respiratory vaccines (seasonal influenza and COVID‑19 boosters where indicated) remain important and noted RSV vaccine availability for older adults. The committee did not take action; staff requested ongoing coordination with regional partners and continued surveillance reporting.
