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Franklin reports higher respiratory hospitalizations in Q1 and continues regional measles monitoring
Summary
Board members heard that influenza, COVID and RSV hospitalizations were higher in the first quarter of 2026 compared with past years; staff said the department is monitoring at least two regional measles cases reported in Wisconsin and coordinating screening guidance with hospitals.
Health department staff reported to the City of Franklin Board of Health that first-quarter communicable disease data show increases in respiratory illnesses and related hospitalizations.
Staff said influenza, COVID and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) produced a notable increase in hospital-related illnesses during the first quarter of 2026, and that hospital systems experienced high occupancy and use of holding areas for admitted patients. The department said those trends have eased somewhat in April but remain higher than typical for the same period in recent years.
In addition, staff said they are monitoring regional measles activity after at least two cases were reported in Wisconsin counties; the department is sharing screening protocols with local hospitals and children’s healthcare providers. Staff said they perform individualized follow-up for hospitalized cases of influenza and COVID and coordinate with hospital infection-prevention teams.
No new local mandates were proposed at the meeting; staff framed the discussion as surveillance and coordination with regional healthcare partners.
