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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 2, 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 11/02/24

Biobot’s national wastewater network shows that SARS-CoV-2 levels are low and holding steady in week 44. RSV concentrations slightly decreased from last week, but are still above their summer low levels, indicating that we are still in the beginning of the RSV season. Influenza A and B held steady at low levels. National hospitalizations for COVID-19 continue to decline, currently at 1.9 per 100,000 people in week 43. National hospitalizations for RSV have started to increase, but are still low, currently at 0.3 per 100,000 people. National hospitalizations for influenza remain very low, currently 0.1 per 100,000 people through week 43.

The Bottom Line: While respiratory virus activity remains low before the season really takes off, now is a good time to be thinking about fall vaccines. Our recommendations to remain healthy are the same: if you feel unwell, minimize contact with others, consider wearing a mask in crowded areas, and stay current with vaccinations and boosters.

National Outlook

COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 concentrations held steady at low levels nationally, with the recent decreases we’ve observed having slowed significantly. This plateau could be an early warning that COVID-19 activity may pick up again soon as we head into the respiratory season.

Influenza

Influenza A and B concentrations remain low nationally.

RSV

National RSV concentrations slightly decreased this week, but remain above summer lows, indicating that we are still at the beginning of the RSV season.

Regional

The South

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

Influenza: Influenza A and B concentrations remained low in the South.

RSV: RSV concentrations slightly decreased in the South.

The Midwest

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

Influenza: Influenza A and B concentrations remained low in the Midwest.

RSV: RSV concentrations held steady at low levels in the Midwest.

The Northeast

COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in the Northeast held steady.

Influenza: Influenza A and B concentrations remained low in the Northeast.

RSV: RSV concentrations slightly decreased in the Northeast.

The West

COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in the West held steady.

Influenza: Influenza A and B concentrations remained low in the West.

RSV: RSV concentrations held steady at low levels 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 in the risk reports.

Wastewater data from Biobot Analytics for RSV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 are through November 2, 2024 (MMWR week 44). Clinical data for RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updates to clinical data are through October 26, 2024 (MMWR week 43).