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Public Health reports rising flu cases and staffing shortfalls; base pay flagged at $35/hour

Yates County Legislature Human Services Committee · January 5, 2026
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Summary

Public Health reported 130 lab-confirmed flu cases since Oct. 1 (109 in December), rising hospitalizations, 110 COVID cases, 9 RSV cases, low MMR vaccination rates (~55% by age 2), and that base pay needs to be more than $35/hour to aid recruitment.

Sarah Christensen of Public Health reported that since Oct. 1 the county has recorded 130 lab-confirmed influenza cases, including 109 in December, and that hospitalizations are up. She said the department is also tracking 110 COVID cases and 9 RSV cases and noted an alert from Ag and Markets about salmonella in raw milk from a local farm (no illness reports tied to that milk). Christensen added that immunization rates for MMR by age two are about 55% in the county.

Christensen said staffing and workforce development remain a pressing challenge: base pay needs to be more than $35 an hour to recruit and retain staff, and the department is exploring options such as a four-day work week and adjusted hours of operation. A mobile mammography event is scheduled for Jan. 14 at the Himrod Fire Department.

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