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City officials reported a focused response Friday after a cluster of respiratory illnesses was confirmed in three neighborhood long-term care facilities. County Health Department Director Jonathan Lee said testing identified a strain of seasonal influenza and no evidence of a novel pathogen.

Lee said crews ensured vaccines, antivirals and infection control guidance reached each facility. "We moved resources to reduce transmission and protect residents," he said. The department confirmed all exposed residents were assessed and staff received testing.

Dr. Maria Sanchez, an infectious disease specialist at City University Hospital, praised the coordinated effort and emphasized vaccination. "Vaccination reduces severe disease and hospitalizations among older adults and staff," she said, noting that vaccine effectiveness varies by season.

Facility administrators implemented enhanced cleaning, limited visitors and isolated symptomatic residents. Environmental services staff monitored vaccine refrigerator temperatures, which were maintained between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C), according to Lee.

State epidemiologists reviewed genomic data and found the cluster mirrored circulating community strains. Hospital emergency departments reported stable patient loads related to the outbreak, with most cases managed in place.

Public health officials urged community members to review vaccination status and seek immunization if overdue. Local clinics extended hours and offered walk-in appointments. Lee advised people with symptoms to test and stay home; Sanchez recommended antiviral treatment for high-risk patients within 48 hours of symptom onset.

The coordinated response drew bipartisan praise from city council members, who commended public health staff. Officials said lessons learned will inform future outbreak plans and strengthen partnerships between hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities.

Health officials encouraged family members to verify advance care plans, check facility visitation policies and use provided hotlines for updates; a dedicated information line reported handling hundreds of calls daily as staff coordinated transfers and offered telehealth consultations to concerned relatives and families.