Six jurisdictions reported high or very high respiratory illness activity to the CDC’s Outpatient Infuenza-llike Illness Surveillance Network for the week ending Dec. 7: California, Oregon, Arizona, Louisiana, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. The network captures outpatient visits for flu-like illness, meaning patients who have a fever plus a cough or sore throat.
Here are four virus updates:
- Influenza activity is escalating across the U.S., with the clinical lab test positivity rate increasing to 5.1% from 3.5% the previous week. CDC reported rising flu-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations, particularly among seniors, who are experiencing the highest hospitalization rates. Outpatient visits for flu-like illness have also surpassed the national baseline, now at 3.4%.
- COVID-19 activity is beginning to rise from very low levels, with the CDC noting a slight uptick in wastewater viral activity and test positivity rates. While national figures for COVID-19 remain relatively low, the CDC predicts that cases will likely continue to increase as winter approaches.
- Wastewater surveillance, which helps track viral activity in the community, shows low levels of both COVID-19 and influenza A across most of the country. Although wastewater viral activity remains low, the slight increase in COVID-19 and flu cases indicates these viruses may be circulating more widely. Wastewater monitoring in the Midwest continues to show the highest concentrations of both viruses.
- RSV continues to affect the youngest populations, with RSV-related ED visits and hospitalizations climbing. The CDC reports that hospitalization rates are also climbing in older adults in certain areas. Although test positivity has decreased to 7.6%, it remains a major concern for pediatric and elderly populations.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.