Summary: Week of 10/19/24
Biobot’s national wastewater network continues to show declining concentrations of SARS-CoV-2, and very low concentrations of influenza A & B in week 42. RSV concentrations are also very low in week 42, but have slightly increased in recent weeks. National hospitalizations for COVID-19 continue to decline, currently at 1.3 per 100,000 persons in week 41. National hospitalizations for influenza and RSV remain very low — both have 0.1 per 100,000 persons through week 41.
The Bottom Line: While COVID-19 activity is declining and influenza and RSV are still low, now is a good time to start thinking about fall boosters before activity picks up again. Our recommendations to remain healthy are the same as they were in the winter: 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 continue to decline nationally.
Influenza
Influenza A and B concentrations remain very low nationally.
RSV
National RSV concentrations have slightly increased but remain very low.
Regional
The South
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in the South continue to decline.
Influenza: Influenza A and B concentrations remain low in the South.
RSV: RSV concentrations remain low in the South, but continue to slightly increase.
The Midwest
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in the Midwest continue to decline.
Influenza: Influenza A and B concentrations remain low in the Midwest.
RSV: RSV concentrations remain low in the Midwest.
The Northeast
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in the Northeast continue to decline.
Influenza: Influenza A and B concentrations remain low in the Northeast.
RSV: RSV concentrations remain low in the Northeast, but are starting to slightly increase.
The West
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in the West continue to decline.
Influenza: Influenza A and B concentrations remain low in the West.
RSV: RSV concentrations remain low 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 October 19, 2024 (MMWR week 42). Clinical data for RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updates to clinical data are through October 12, 2024 (MMWR week 41).