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Public health director reports 56% rise in communicable disease investigations, warns of flu and bird‑flu developments
Summary
Allegany County Public Health Director Tyler Shaw told the Human Services Committee investigations rose from 274 in 2023 to about 428 year‑to‑date, attributed in part to new reportable conditions; he urged flu vaccination and outlined limited local risk from recent bird‑flu human cases.
Tyler Shaw, Allegany County public health director, told the Human Services Committee on Jan. 15 that communicable‑disease investigations rose 56% compared with the prior year and advised residents to get seasonal flu vaccines.
"In 2023, we ended with 274 investigations total. We are now at about 428, which is a 56% increase in communicable diseases," Shaw said, adding that changes to the state's reporting system — including making RSV and varicella reportable — account for part of the increase.
Shaw said influenza A is currently prevalent and flu B typically peaks later in the winter. He reminded the public that, statewide, two pediatric flu deaths had been reported so far this season and that influenza remains geographically widespread. "So far, statewide, not just Allegany County, there have been 2 pediatric flu deaths so far. Flu still is considered geographically widespread," he said.
On avian influenza, Shaw said there have been 66 human H5/H7 cases reported nationwide across several states, with one human death reported in Louisiana. He said millions of birds have tested positive in animal surveillance but described local human risk as low. "If you are interacting with dairy cattle, especially poultry, and you have issues, our main message for the public is if you have any concerns about sick animals, certainly can call our office. We can connect you with the authorities that can do animal testing," Shaw told the committee.
The committee asked about vaccine availability and testing. Shaw said flu vaccine remains available through the health department and reiterated that human testing and reporting are handled by the public‑health office.
No formal votes were required for the monthly report update; the presentation was informational.
