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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 September 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 9/16/24

Biobot’s national wastewater network shows high but declining concentrations of SARS-CoV-2, low concentrations of influenza A and RSV, and a recent uptick of national influenza B concentrations in week 37. National hospitalization rates for COVID-19 remain elevated, but have declined for the previous three weeks, currently at 2.5 per 100,000 persons in week 36. National hospitalizations rates for influenza and RSV remain very low as both have 0.1 hospitalizations per 100,000 persons through week 36.

The Bottom Line:  COVID-19 activity remains elevated across most of the country while influenza A and RSV are still at very low levels. 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

Nationally, SARS-CoV-2 concentrations remain elevated but have started to decline in week 37.  

Influenza

While wastewater shows some increased influenza B activity, national concentrations of both influenza A and B remain low. 

RSV

Nationally, RSV concentrations remained very low in week 37.  

Regional

The South

COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentrations in the South remain quite elevated.

Influenza: Influenza A concentrations remain low in the South. Wastewater data show increased activity of influenza B in the South, but thankfully, influenza hospitalization rates remain very low.

RSV: RSV wastewater concentrations remain very low in the South.

The Midwest

COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentrations remain quite high in the Midwest, though have started decreasing.

Influenza: Influenza A and B concentrations remain very low in the Midwest.

RSV: RSV wastewater concentrations are low in the Midwest, but are beginning to show hints of increasing activity.

The Northeast

COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 concentrations are elevated and holding steady in the Northeast. A similar trend was observed in hospitalizations as New York and Connecticut experienced declines while Maryland had a slight increase. 

Influenza: Influenza A concentrations remain low in the Northeast, while influenza B concentrations have recently increased. Thankfully, influenza hospitalization rates remain very low in the Northeast. 

RSV: RSV wastewater concentrations remain very low in the Northeast.

The West

COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 concentrations are still elevated in the West but are declining.

Influenza: Influenza A and B concentrations remain very low in the West.

RSV: RSV wastewater concentrations remain very 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 via Twitter and in the risk reports.

Wastewater data from Biobot Analytics for RSV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 are through September 14, 2024 (MMWR week 37). Clinical data for RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updates to clinical data are through September 7, 2024 (MMWR week 36).