Board of Health: Carson City reports elevated 2024'25 flu season activity; health department highlights preparedness, WIC gains

Carson City Health & Human Services (CCHHS) presented surveillance data Sept. 4 showing the 2024'25 influenza season produced elevated influenza-like-illness (ILI) and hospitalizations compared with recent years. Dustin Puth, epidemiology division manager, reported that the season peaked the week of Dec. 29'Jan. 4 and that younger people made up the largest share of confirmed cases while adults 65 and older accounted for most hospitalizations.

Key findings from the epidemiology report - ILI peak: Carson City's ILI rate peaked at 6.9 visits per 10,000 people during the season'high relative to the city's five-year average. - Cases by age and vaccination status: The 0'4 age group had the highest rate of unvaccinated confirmed cases; nearly nine of every 10 diagnosed influenza cases were in people who had not received the seasonal vaccine. The 5'24 age group represented the largest proportion of total cases. - Hospitalizations: There were 119 influenza-associated hospitalizations in Carson City during the season. Adults 65 and older accounted for more than 60% of those hospitalizations. Common underlying conditions among hospitalized patients included COPD, diabetes and obesity.

Public-health response and next steps Puth told the board the epidemiology division will prioritize outreach to high-risk groups, encourage timely antiviral treatment for high-risk patients, and work with clinicians on antiviral use. The division also plans to improve data comparability across respiratory viruses (influenza, RSV, COVID-19) and complete a cost-analysis for vaccine-related reductions in severe illness.

Director's updates, staffing and programs Director Jeanne Freeman reported agency highlights including a new deputy director, Tenille Chafton, who brings federal and local public-health experience; a mobile breastfeeding station piloted at Sheriff's Night Out; and the department's plan to offer flu vaccines in all Carson City schools in partnership with the school district. Freeman also briefed the board on an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease that affected 11 childcare facilities (about 44% of local licensed childcare sites), and said environmental health and epidemiology teams are improving communication and timeliness of notifications.

Funding and organizational changes Freeman noted a reduction in funding for Nevada's tobacco quit line and that state public-health responsibilities have been reorganized: some functions moved to the Nevada Health Authority (including Medicaid and health-care quality and compliance) and food-safety functions will transition to the Department of Agriculture (with an interlocal arrangement for 2026). Freeman said CCHHS is working to coordinate reporting across multiple state agencies and hopes to streamline reporting where possible.

Board comment and community outreach Board members commended the department for data-driven reporting and emphasized the importance of public messaging on vaccination, early care-seeking for flu-like illness and preparedness for residents with medical needs. Several members encouraged offering autism-awareness training to broader first-responder groups and noted federal and state funding changes the department is monitoring.

Sources: CCHHS Director's report and the epidemiology presentation to the Carson City Board of Health, Sept. 4. Direct quotes and data reflect statements recorded in the meeting transcript.