 Friday, February 21, 2025
Our data dashboard shows decrease in flu cases
New reported cases of flu have been decreasing. But there’s still a lot of flu circulating in our community. Flu is easily spread from person to person and can have devastating effects on certain people, especially infants and young children, people 65 and over, and people with compromised immune systems.
Here are steps you can take to keep yourself and others well:
- Stay away from sick people.
- Wash your hands often with warm water and soap.
- Wear a mask in public/crowded spaces, especially if you are at higher risk for developing severe illness.
- Stay home if you’re sick to avoid exposing others to illness.
- Get a flu shot each year.
- Disinfect surfaces: Regularly clean high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness Influenza Surveillance Dashboard shows reported cases of flu in Louisville Metro have jumped from over 3,600 cases last week to 2,182 cases this week.
So far this season in Jefferson County, there have been 12 reported flu-related deaths and at least 55 outbreaks in residential congregate settings, which include schools, childcare, and long-term care facilities.
Meet the 'disease detectives' who keep Louisville safe
While doctors and nurses care for individual patients, most public health workers care for the health of the entire community. Our Louisville Metro Department of Public Health Wellness (LMPHW) team of epidemiologists and Communicable Disease Prevention specialists are often called "disease detectives." They research and track how infectious diseases like measles, or the flu spread from person to person.
Epidemiologists are professionals who study the patterns, causes, and spread of diseases in communities. They make sure accurate information about outbreaks is communicated to the public. Additionally, they offer a caring ear to residents seeking essential information about various illnesses.
Currently, they are working tirelessly behind the scenes to stay on top of respiratory illness outbreaks and provide vital information to our community during an extremely busy flu season.
The new and improved LMPHW Influenza Surveillance Dashboard they created has been a great tool that has been publicized by media outlets a number of times over the past month. The latest mention was in this report by WAVE news.
For more information about this important work, you can click the photo above or use this link to view a video by MetroTV or visit our Communicable Disease Prevention page.
Free HIV testing and mpox vaccines
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LMPHW will provide free mpox vaccines and HIV testing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27 at our Harm Reduction Outreach Services, 400 E. Gray St.
Walk-ins are welcome. Participants must be 18 years or older.
We offer vaccines to people without insurance or a primary care provider, as well as to children whose insurance or healthcare provider does not cover vaccinations. We also accept a wide range of insurance plans. A $12 administration fee is charged for each vaccine; however, no one will be denied service if they are unable to pay.
For more information about how to make an appointment, please visit our Immunizations webpage.
Recognizing individuals who shaped public health
Launch your career with us!
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Public health workers include many people with different skills all working together to protect the health of the community. Join us!
Visit our Metro job opportunities webpage to learn more about this role and various career opportunities in public health. You can also scan the QR code.
For more information, please email LMPHWCareers@louisvilleky.gov.
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