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Respiratory Virus Risk Reports

Comprehensive Insights for COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV

COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV Wastewater Monitoring in the U.S. | Week of November 16, 2024

Throughout the respiratory season, we analyze wastewater for the presence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza virus (types A and B). Together with COVID-19, these three pathogens are outsized contributors to our seasonal respiratory illness burden. In this data series, we’ll guide you through the wealth of data we’ve gathered from our Biobot Network of national sampling sites, aiming to shed light on emerging trends in respiratory virus activity and community viral load. Our goal is to equip you with information to make informed decisions.

Data Note: Samples are collected from participating locations, and processed by our lab team on a rolling basis. Each point on the figure represents the weekly average concentration, from Sunday – Saturday (corresponding to the MMWR week), aligned to that week’s Saturday.

Contributors
Marisa Donnelly, PhD

Public Health Partnerships Epidemiologist

Previous Risk Reports

Summary: Week of 11/16/24

Biobot’s national wastewater network shows that SARS-CoV-2 levels are low and continue to hold steady in week 46. RSV and influenza both continue to increase, confirming that the respiratory season is picking up. Influenza B concentrations remain at low levels. National hospitalizations for COVID-19 continue to decline, currently at 1 per 100,000 people in week 45. National hospitalizations for RSV and influenza are increasing, but are still low, currently at 0.5 and 0.2 per 100,000 people in week 45, respectively.

The Bottom Line: RSV and influenza are increasing, confirming that the respiratory season is picking up. As we head into the holiday season and social gatherings increase, it’s good to remember these recommendations to stay healthy: stay current with vaccinations and boosters, consider wearing a mask in crowded areas, and if you feel unwell, minimize contact with others.

National Outlook

COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 concentrations are holding steady at low levels nationally. We anticipate that levels may start to increase after the Thanksgiving holiday, when many will be traveling and gathering.

Influenza

National influenza A concentrations are increasing, while influenza B concentrations remain low.

RSV

National RSV concentrations are increasing.

Regional

The South

COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 concentrations are holding steady in the South.

Influenza: Influenza A concentrations are increasing in the South, while influenza B concentrations are holding steady.

RSV: RSV concentrations are increasing in the South.

The Midwest

COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 concentrations are holding steady in the Midwest.

Influenza: Influenza A and B concentrations are holding steady in the Midwest.

RSV: RSV concentrations are holding steady in the Midwest.

The Northeast

COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 concentrations are decreasing in the Northeast.

Influenza: Influenza A and B concentrations are increasing in the Northeast.

RSV: RSV concentrations are increasing in the Northeast.

The West

COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 concentrations are increasing in the West.

Influenza: Influenza A concentrations are increasing in the West, while influenza B concentrations are holding steady.

RSV: RSV concentrations are holding steady in the West.

Footnotes: 
We continue to monitor the evolving H5N1 influenza virus situation. As we do, a quick reminder that Biobot’s influenza A assay detects the H5N1 influenza subtype, which is an influenza A virus, but does not distinguish between the different subtypes of influenza A (e.g. H5N1 vs H1N1). Thankfully, we still have not seen large, widespread increases in influenza A concentrations. We will share any important updates as we have them via Twitter and Bluesky, and in the risk reports.

Wastewater data from Biobot Analytics for RSV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 are through November 16, 2024 (MMWR week 46). Clinical data for RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updates to clinical data are through November 9, 2024 (MMWR week 45).