The states are Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, New Jersey, New York City, Kansas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, D.C.
Here are four more updates:
- Influenza is the dominant virus this season, with 9% of clinical lab tests returning positive for the flu this week. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) are the most common strains, with flu-related hospitalizations climbing steadily. Outpatient visits for respiratory illnesses have surpassed the national baseline, now at 3.8%, and the CDC is reporting a rise in emergency department visits for flu-like symptoms.
- While still at low levels, COVID-19 activity is increasing in some regions, as shown by rising wastewater viral levels and test positivity rates. The CDC has predicted that COVID-19 cases will continue to grow as winter sets in, with wastewater surveillance and ED visits showing signs of increase. The CDC also expects all three viruses to have a similar or lower number of combined peak hospitalizations compared to last season.
- RSV is affecting the youngest populations the most, with RSV-related ED visits and hospitalizations on the rise. The CDC also reported an increase in RSV hospitalizations among older adults.
- Due to the surge in respiratory illnesses, some healthcare systems are resuming mask mandates and limiting visitation to reduce the spread of infections. For example, West Orange, N.J.-based RWJ Barnabas Health, the state’s largest hospital system, reintroduced a mask mandate for all patients, staff and visitors at its hospitals, effective Dec. 16.
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