increased Influenza activity in the past 2 weeks in Juneau County

Juneau County Health Department reports that there has been increased Influenza activity in the past 2 weeks in Juneau County. This is similar to the present overall increase in influenza cases throughout the state of Wisconsin and the country. Most of the Juneau County schools have started to experience an increase in student absences due to influenza – like - symptoms. St Paul’s Lutheran School in Wonewoc will be closed October 22 – 23 due to influenza –like-illness in 30% of the students. Although there have been limited confirmed cases of H1N1 in this county, 99% of influenza cases in Wisconsin have been identified as 2009 Novel H1N1.

Juneau County is following the Wisconsin Division of Public Health and CDC guidelines in H1N1 vaccination efforts. The H1N1 vaccine has started to arrive in very limited quantity. Juneau County Health Department, along with Mile Bluff Medical Center and local clinics are currently vaccinating health care workers and EMS.

The target groups for the next shipments of vaccine are: pregnant women, caregivers of infants less than 6 months, children under 5 years of age, and children 6 months – 18 years old with chronic illness. This group has been included in the initial shipment of vaccine as they are at greatest risk to develop severe complications from H1N1 influenza. Juneau County Health Department plans to conduct H1N1 vaccination clinics in the school setting, however, clinic dates cannot be de determined until ample vaccine arrives. The Health Department and local partners continue to plan and work together to make the H1N1 vaccination campaigns as efficient as possible. Although the exact timeframe is not known, enough vaccine has been ordered at the federal level so that everyone who wants the vaccine will eventually be able to get it.

During this time, we ask the public to protect themselves and others by following simple public health measures such as covering your cough and sneezes, wash your hands frequently, and avoid those who are ill. If you think you have H1N1 influenza, stay home at least until your fever is gone for 24 hours. Staying home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings. If you think you should be tested for H1N1 CALL your health provider BEFORE you go. Testing is most likely NOT necessary. Your provider will determine if testing or treatment is needed. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, call your health care provider or seek immediate medical attention.

For more information of the H1N1 vaccine, target groups and how to protect yourself from the H1N1 influenza virus go to www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov or call 2-1-1.

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