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Vernon County health staff report surge in influenza A and RSV; vaccination urged
Summary
County infection-prevention staff said influenza A cases have surged since mid-January, with RSV and ongoing COVID cases contributing to strain on health services; officials urged vaccination and testing, citing statewide hospitalization numbers.
Rommel Heisel, infection-prevention staff, told the Vernon County Health Department board that the county has been coping with a persistent influenza A surge since mid-January and is also seeing RSV and occasional COVID admissions. "As far as, updates, we have been knee deep into influenza a since about the end of the 2nd beginning of the 3rd week of January, and it continues," Heisel said.
Board members referenced state data to underscore the seriousness of the season. A state epidemiologist’s figure was cited that in the first week of February there were "8 0 2 hospitalizations statewide," the board was told, the highest since the 2008 H1N1 season. Local staff said most cases seen locally have affected older adults, including residents of group homes and long-term-care settings.
Dr. Coontz, a department clinician, described typical symptoms and urged testing and vaccination. "I think, you know, in general [vaccines] reduce your risk of having infection, symptomatically, complications such as hospitalizations and death…they're in the 60 to 70 percent effectiveness," Dr. Coontz said, noting vaccines are not 100% but remain a key mitigation tool.
Staff highlighted available testing options and wastewater surveillance as a monitoring tool and encouraged people with acute respiratory symptoms to test, stay home and avoid contact with older relatives or medically vulnerable neighbors. The department said it will continue outreach to community groups and to congregate-living facilities to limit spread and protect high-risk residents.
The update concluded with a reminder that local wastewater levels have decreased from high to moderate, but recent upticks in cases mean officials are watching for a possible second wave.
