By Matthew Hersh
Local and state officials are forecasting a possible decline in flu activity this season as New Jersey influenza activity appeared to peak in the last week of December with more than 12,000 reported cases and has since declined to just over 9,000 cases, primarily influenza A.
As of January 15, Princeton has reported 104 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases this season. In addition, there have been two influenza-like illness outbreaks in Princeton schools, which are monitored closely through required reporting to the health department.
According to Princeton Deputy Administrator/Director of Health Jeffrey Grosser, statewide data show there have been more than 1,600 hospitalizations, and 25 influenza-associated deaths have been reported this season. There have also been 56 school-based outbreaks statewide and nine outbreaks in long-term care facilities. While hospitalization and mortality data are reported at the county and state levels rather than by individual municipalities, this information helps inform local response and preparedness efforts, Grosser said.
Related, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s (NJDA) Division of Animal Health have confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on a commercial bird farm in Burlington County. This is the only documented case to date in New Jersey this season and this particular case was identified through monitoring by the farm owner, who notified the NJDA after observing an increase in bird mortality.
The disease response is being coordinated between state and federal partners with samples tested at the New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory. Confirmatory testing is underway at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory.
“The New Jersey Department of Agriculture remains vigilant in protecting our poultry industry. Surveillance measures are always ongoing as we constantly monitor and test to detect any signs of avian influenza early,” said Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn. “The recent detection in a commercial flock is being addressed swiftly and collaboratively by USDA and state officials to ensure containment. The Division of Animal Health is committed to safeguarding animal health and supporting our farmers during this process.”
Once again, officials encourage everyone to secure a flu vaccine. Grosser reported that while vaccine levels are high locally, there are key demographics in the state where vaccination rates are lagging considerably.
In Princeton schools, Grosser reported, annual immunization audits are currently underway. Preliminary results show that approximately 95 percent of pre-K students are vaccinated against influenza.
“This is encouraging and reflects strong prevention efforts among families and schools,” he said.
Mercer County also tracks vaccination data for vulnerable populations. Countywide, 32.5 percent of residents in long-term care facilities are reported as vaccinated for influenza. Statewide influenza vaccination data is compiled and shared by the New Jersey Department of Health, and local health departments use this data to guide outreach and clinic planning.
The Princeton Health Department will continue to coordinate with schools, faith-based organizations, and other community partners to prevent illness and to respond quickly when cases or outbreaks occur, Grosser said.
This includes auditing immunization records for all 25 Princeton schools, conducting outbreak investigations in coordination with schools and long-term care facilities when cases are reported, and providing free COVID-19/flu test kits at the Princeton Health Department and at community events. Grosser noted that hosting and staffing influenza vaccination clinics throughout the community, and providing other educational resources, are a constant in the department’s outreach efforts.
“This layered approach allows the health department to combine surveillance, vaccination, education, and community partnerships to reduce the spread of influenza and protect residents, particularly children, older adults, and those at higher risk for severe illness,” Grosser said.