Wisconsin's 655 Swine Flu Cases: We're #1

Wisconsin has the most confirmed cases of swine flu in the country.

Of course, those numbers can change. Illinois may retake the #1 spot; but for now, we wear the swine flu crown.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

The number of cases of swine flu in Wisconsin quietly almost doubled this week, and local health officials are discussing a possible investigation into the high number of flu patients in Milwaukee.

The statewide increase in cases of the novel H1N1 flu went from 334 on May 8 to 655 Friday. The flu already had shown itself to be fast-spreading, though not particularly severe outside Mexico. The increase, however, came even though Wisconsin, like other states, cut back on flu testing.

Seth Foldy, health officer for Wisconsin, said the state now is limiting testing to people with severe illness who have been hospitalized, work in health care or come from residential institutions.

"I'm still on guard," Foldy said, adding, "Complacency is still not an appropriate posture."

Why is the state limiting testing? Who made that decision?

Foldy claims that complacency is not an appropriate posture. OK. Then why cut back on testing?

Certainly, Wisconsin being the country's epicenter for the swine flu is bad for tourism. But it is what it is.

I don't think Wisconsin health officials should be playing with the numbers and limiting testing in an effort to reduce the number of confirmed cases.

...Although Milwaukee has now reported 444 swine flu cases, compared with 224 last week, only about seven have required hospitalization. That hospitalization rate is close to that of the typical seasonal influenza, said Paul A. Biedrzycki, the city's director of disease control and environmental health.

"We have high numbers in Milwaukee," Biedrzycki said, noting that the city has the resources to find and confirm cases quickly. "We do have some enhanced surveillance systems and excellent lab capacity, but we're not convinced that's telling the entire story. There could be something else."

Biedrzycki wonders why there are so many cases in Wisconsin, especially Milwaukee. What could be that "something else" at play?

Milwaukeeans have poor hygiene? They don't wash their hands well or not at all?

They don't cover their mouths when they cough and sneeze?

...In Milwaukee, Biedrzycki said officials have spoken with an unnamed academic institution about collaborating to examine the city's high number of flu cases in more detail. The investigation likely would focus on factors contributing to the spread of flu in households and schools with an eye toward preparing for a possible second wave of swine flu in the fall.

We already know how the flu spreads.

Why investigate?

The Wisconsin swine flu outbreak is not good news for businesses, particularly tourism. They already have to battle the bad economy. Now they have to deal with Wisconsin being the country's #1 swine flu state.

Who wants to vacation in the swine flu capital?

From a business standpoint, I can see why the state is limiting testing for swine flu. It's an effort to deflate the appearance of the extent of the Wisconsin outbreak.

From a public health standpoint, however, it's irresponsible.