The United States is currently experiencing a notable increase in flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus activity as the winter season progresses. This rise occurs while COVID-19 cases remain relatively steady. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 5.3 million flu cases this year, leading to 63,000 hospitalizations and 2,700 deaths, including 11 among children.
Currently, almost 19% of flu tests are returning positive. RSV tests show a 13% positivity rate, whereas COVID-19 tests have decreased to 7%, which is a significant drop from the previous year. Additionally, COVID-19 hospitalizations have more than halved compared to last year.
RSV and Norovirus Trends
RSV rates have notably escalated in eight states: Connecticut, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. Meanwhile, flu rates are moderate across the country. Norovirus, on the other hand, has seen positivity rates climb to over 22%, surpassing the typical seasonal high of 15% or less observed in recent years.
Wastewater surveillance, a key tool for disease tracking, indicates an ongoing increase in both RSV and possibly COVID-19 levels. The CDC has categorized COVID-19 activity in wastewater as high. Additional data from the CDC is expected soon, which will provide more insights into virus trends following the holiday season.
