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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 30, 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 9/30/24

Biobot’s national wastewater network shows moderately high but declining concentrations of SARS-CoV-2, and very low concentrations of influenza A & B, and RSV in week 39. National hospitalization rates for COVID-19 remain elevated, but continue to decline, currently at 2.3 per 100,000 persons in week 38. National hospitalizations rates for influenza and RSV remain very low — both have less than 0.1 hospitalizations per 100,000 persons through week 38.

The Bottom Line: COVID-19 activity remains elevated across most of the country while influenza and RSV are still at 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. Now is a good time to start thinking about getting boosted before the winter respiratory season takes off.

National Outlook

COVID-19

Nationally, SARS-CoV-2 concentrations are elevated but continuing to decline.

Influenza

Influenza A and concentrations remain very low nationally. We observed an uptick in influenza B over the past month, but the most recent data show that concentrations are currently low and declining.

RSV

Nationally, RSV concentrations remain very low.

Regional

The South

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

Influenza: Influenza A concentrations remain low in the South. After an uptick, influenza B concentrations have gone back down to very low levels. Thankfully, influenza hospitalization rates in the South continue to remain very low.

RSV: RSV wastewater concentrations remain low in the South.

The Midwest

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

Influenza: There was a recent uptick in influenza A and B concentration in the Midwest, but this week concentrations are back to very low levels.

RSV: RSV wastewater concentrations remain low in the Midwest.

The Northeast

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

Influenza: Influenza A concentrations remain low in the Northeast. After a recent uptick, influenza B concentrations are back down to low levels.

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

The West

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

Influenza: Influenza A remains very low in the West. Influenza B is starting to increase, but levels are still low.

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 28, 2024 (MMWR week 39). Clinical data for RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updates to clinical data are through September 21, 2024 (MMWR week 38).