Rise in Illness Plagues West, Midwest

By J.Alex- Jan 8, 2024

Handwashing is important to help stop the spread of bacteria.Photo byNathan DumlaoonUnsplash

In just a week's time, new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals a striking 18% surge in positive influenza cases. Concurrently, there's a troubling uptick in individuals seeking medical care for respiratory symptoms, spanning flu, COVID, RSV, or unrelated conditions. Alarmingly, the CDC now identifies 21 states alongside New York City as grappling with "very high" levels of sickness.

A comparative analysis of the most recent data against figures from a mere week prior illustrates a deteriorating situation, particularly pronounced in the northern regions of the country. Presently, only Minnesota stands categorized under the "minimal" illness levels, marking a stark contrast to the escalating trends elsewhere.

Even as the CDC's map paints a grimmer picture, the agency cautions that the peak of this season's illness surge may not have arrived yet. Traditionally, flu season's most common peak emerges around February, as consistently observed since the early 1980s.

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The surge isn't confined to influenza alone. COVID-related hospital admissions have surged by 20% in the past week, alongside a noticeable increase in positive RSV cases, according to the CDC. The CDC's mapping methodology relies on contrasting current healthcare provider data with typical benchmarks for respective areas outside of flu season. It centers on individuals reporting flu-like symptoms — fever, coupled with a cough or sore throat. Importantly, this approach isn't solely reliant on lab-confirmed influenza cases, potentially encompassing other respiratory illnesses like COVID or RSV. However, it may also result in underreported cases, particularly if individuals manage their illnesses at home.

Though precise figures remain elusive, the CDC estimates a significant toll for this flu season: approximately 10 million illnesses, 110,000 hospitalizations, and a tragic count of 6,500 fatalities. Shockingly, this toll includes 27 children who have lost their lives due to these illnesses.