The CDC reports that flu activity is increasing in the United States--most states are now reporting widespread influenza activity. Wisconsin is no exception. Activity has increased in all five regions of the state, and is higher than normal for this time of year. In the past two weeks, the number of cases has been accelerating. There is no indication the H1N1 virus has changed or is more severe than in the spring, although hospitalizations are on the rise due to widespread illness.

The CDC has recently announced that the vaccine supply chain is slower than anticipated, which may delay some community vaccination clinics. Still, the CDC continues to ship vaccine to states based on population. As of October 20th, Wisconsin had received 245,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine in both the nasal and injectable forms.

Some communities are beginning to host community or school-based clinics for target populations as they receive initial shipments of H1N1 vaccine, and it’s anticipated more communities will begin to host additional community vaccination clinics as more of the H1N1 vaccine becomes available in the coming weeks. People will be able to call 2-1-1 to find out when their community is hosting an H1N1 or seasonal vaccine clinic.

As the health care workforce finalizes its immunizations, health care providers are moving on to immunizing additional target groups including pregnant women, household contacts and caregivers for children less than 6 months of age, all people from 6 months through 24 years of age, and persons age 25-64 with conditions associated with higher risk of complications from influenza.

For people who are tested, approximately 23% actually have influenza. This suggests that other illnesses are circulating through Wisconsin, and not all influenza-like symptoms are influenza. But, of the influenza viruses circulating in the state, 99% have been confirmed as H1N1. So the state is still asking people to follow good hygiene and get the H1N1 vaccine as soon as you can. Also, they recommend you call your health care provider first to determine if you should be seen by your local physician or if you should go to the ER/urgent care for treatment.

Since September 1, 2009, there have been 53 hospitalizations due to H1N1 virus infection in Wisconsin. On October 15th, Monroe County reported an H1N1-related death, bringing the statewide death total to 10 since the spring.

SCHOOL INFORMATION FROM DHS

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) announced that after October 21st, superintendents will have the power to close their school due to health and safety concerns and waive make-up days.

Unusually high rates of student absenteeism (approximately 30-40%) due to influenza-like illness have led to a variety of temporary school closures in some districts around the state. The CDC and DHS continue to stress that school closure should be used as a last resort due to disruption of learning and the social impact. However, if high rates of student or staff absenteeism make it difficult for schools to operate, a limited closure may be the best option to decrease exposure to influenza. In most cases, the decision to close schools is a joint decision made by local health departments and school administrators in consultation with DHS.

School closure information is listed on the DPI website at http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/pandemicflu.html or can be found in the Media Room at pandemic.wisconsin.gov

Parents are reminded that keeping sick children home from school until 24 hours after they are free of fever (100°F [37.8°C] or greater) without the aid of medication is the safest way to prevent the spread of any illness. DHS is also encouraging parents to have a pre-designated plan for caring for a sick child at home for the duration of a school exclusion period. Wisconsin businesses are also encouraged to adopt similar plans with their employees.