Summary: Week of 10/26/24
Biobot’s national wastewater network shows low levels of SARS-CoV-2, but with decreases beginning to slow down in week 43. RSV concentrations are increasing, marking the start of the RSV season, while influenza A remains low and stable. Influenza B concentrations continue to bounce around at low levels. National hospitalizations for COVID-19 continue to decline, currently at 1.3 per 100,000 people in week 42. National hospitalizations for influenza and RSV remain very low — both have 0.1 per 100,000 people through week 42.
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 are at low levels nationally, though recent decreases are slowing down. This slowdown could be an early warning that COVID-19 activity may pick up again soon as we head into the respiratory season.
Influenza
Influenza A concentrations remain very low nationally, while influenza B concentrations are fluctuating at low levels.
RSV
National RSV concentrations are increasing, signaling the start of the RSV season.
Regional
The South
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in the South slightly declined.
Influenza: Influenza A concentrations remained low in the South while influenza B concentrations slightly increased.
RSV: RSV concentrations increased in the South.
The Midwest
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in the Midwest slightly declined.
Influenza: Influenza A and B concentrations remained low in the Midwest.
RSV: RSV concentrations slightly increased in the Midwest.
The Northeast
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in the Northeast slightly declined.
Influenza: Influenza A and B concentrations remained low in the Northeast.
RSV: RSV concentrations increased in the Northeast.
The West
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in the West slightly declined.
Influenza: Influenza A concentrations remained low in the West while influenza B concentrations slightly increased.
RSV: RSV concentrations slightly increased 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 26, 2024 (MMWR week 43). Clinical data for RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updates to clinical data are through October 19, 2024 (MMWR week 42).