“`html
Public Health Madison & Dane County has revamped its respiratory illness dashboard for the 2024 fall/winter season, focusing on providing clearer data and addressing health equity concerns. These updates aim to give residents a more comprehensive and accessible understanding of the prevalence and impact of respiratory illnesses in the community.
Key Dashboard Updates for Fall/Winter 2024
Several key changes have been implemented to enhance the dashboard’s usability and informativeness.
Weekly Summaries
Starting this season, the dashboard will feature a concise summary of key takeaways every Thursday. This will help users quickly grasp the current respiratory illness situation without having to delve deep into the data.
New Illness Level Methodology
The dashboard employs a revised methodology for determining illness levels. These levels (low, moderate, moderately high, high, very high) are now based on data from emergency department visits.
This new method compares the current season’s data to data from previous seasons. This comparison provides a more nuanced understanding of illness levels within the context of historical trends.
Hospitalization Rates by Race and Ethnicity
A new page has been added to the dashboard specifically to display hospitalization rates by race and ethnicity for COVID-19, flu, and RSV. This crucial addition aims to highlight any existing inequities in severe outcomes and inform targeted interventions.
This page will be updated annually with a full year’s worth of data, providing a comprehensive overview of hospitalization trends.
RSV Hospitalization Data
As the fall progresses, the dashboard will incorporate data on RSV hospitalizations. This addition will provide a more complete picture of respiratory illness activity in Dane County.
Changes to Air Sampler Data
Due to a decrease in the number of air samplers deployed in schools this year, middle and high school results will be combined on the dashboard. However, the dashboard will now detect and display data on a wider range of viruses present in the air, going beyond just flu and COVID-19.
Early Illness Indicators and School Absenteeism
The dashboard will closely monitor various metrics to identify the early signs of increasing COVID-19, flu, and RSV activity. This includes a focus on local research suggesting that increases in school absenteeism often precede surges in these illnesses. This proactive approach aims to provide early warnings to the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the respiratory illness dashboard?
The dashboard provides up-to-date information on the prevalence of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV in Dane County. This helps residents make informed decisions about their health and take necessary precautions.
How often is the dashboard updated?
The dashboard is regularly updated with new data, and a summary of key takeaways is provided every Thursday.
Where can I find the dashboard?
The dashboard is available on the Public Health Madison & Dane County website.
What do the different illness levels mean?
The illness levels (low, moderate, moderately high, high, very high) represent the current prevalence of respiratory illnesses based on data from emergency department visits, compared to previous seasons.
Why is it important to track hospitalization rates by race and ethnicity?
Tracking hospitalization rates by race and ethnicity helps identify and address potential health disparities and ensure equitable access to care and resources.
How can I use the dashboard information to protect myself and my family?
The dashboard empowers you to make informed decisions about preventative measures, such as getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and seeking medical care when necessary.
Conclusion
The Public Health Madison & Dane County respiratory illness dashboard for the 2024 fall/winter season incorporates significant updates designed to improve data accessibility, provide more nuanced insights into illness trends, and address health equity concerns. By providing timely information and highlighting potential disparities, the dashboard empowers residents to make informed decisions about their health and contribute to a healthier community.
Source: Public Health Madison & Dane County
“`