Influenza virus activity is associated with climate; however, less is known about how climate affects influenza subtype activity. Using population-level influenza-associated hospitalization surveillance data, we assessed the relationship between predominant influenza subtype and average temperature in Colorado.
Methods
We analyzed laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations reported between October 1, 2009 - March 28, 2026*, excluding the 2020-2021 respiratory virus season due to minimal flu activity. We calculated Colorado weekly average temperatures and 30-year climate normals using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data. Temperature anomaly was defined as the difference between average temperature and climate normals. Predominant seasonal subtype was defined as having more than a 10-percentage point difference in the proportion of subtyped influenza specimens. Spearman rank tests estimated the correlation between temperatures (weekly and anomaly) and influenza hospitalization rates and counts (overall and subtyped).
*Through May 2026 at presentation
Results
Between 2009 and 2026, nine influenza seasons were H3N2-predominant and six were H1N1-predominant. Of the H3N2-predominant seasons, five (55.55%) occurred during hotter-than-average seasons; three H1N1-predominant seasons (50.00%) occurred within colder-than-average seasons. Average weekly temperature showed a significant negative correlation with both H1N1 rates (⍴ = -0.342, p
In June 2022, House Bill 22-1244: The Public Protections From Toxic Air Contaminants Act was signed into state law. This talk will focus on how fundamental concepts in toxicology and human health risk assessment were integrated into several aspects of the implementation of this law. This talk will include an overview of the air toxics law and will provide in-depth discussion on the elements most directly tied to human health. We will review how health risk estimates informed the selection of the priority toxic air contaminants: formaldehyde, benzene, hexavalent chromium, ethylene oxide, and hydrogen sulfide. We will discuss the approach and health basis of ambient air benchmarks and emission reporting thresholds. Finally we will review how health risk estimates were used in the most recent emission control regulations adopted for formaldehyde. Taken together, this talk will provide participants with an update on Colorado’s progress related to the regulation of air toxics. This talk will provide a case study in how fundamental concepts in toxicology and human health risk assessment can inform regulations. Finally, participants will learn about ways to stay informed and involved in future activities related to air toxics.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Tara is the Air Quality and Health Unit Supervisor in the Division of Environmental Health and Sustainability at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Approximately 10% of Colorado households rely on private well water. Without connection to municipal water treatment, these users are solely responsible for ensuring the safety of their drinking water. Important to note, lack of existing frameworks and coordinated support systems for private well users in Colorado has created a gap in both service provision and understanding behaviors related around well water testing. As this population is widely distributed throughout the state, and sources their water from individual wells, little is known about water quality, testing frequency and treatment of these vital water supplies. Additionally, less is known about the motivations and barriers to adequate testing and treatment.
This project began with a focus on Boulder County, intending to characterize these elements of water supply for well users in that area. Our initial survey revealed opportunities for community engagement which drove the design of a series of in-person workshops held in the county to increase knowledge and access to resources for residents reliant on well water. Feedback from interviews and workshops allowed us to expand our materials to include concerns around wildfire risk, drought, drying of aquifers, and other sources of potential contamination such as septic systems and flood events.
The project has expanded in geographic scope, allowing us to further assess well stewardship in a broader region. Additional data has been collected from these areas, allowing us to share a fuller picture. We partnered with Local Public Health Agencies in Boulder County, Weld County and Larimer County and expanded outreach to renters and low-income residents through collaboration with CSU Extension, Nederland Food Pantry, and other community partners. We are engaged in feasibility work to create an online statewide toolkit for well users.
