Title: Rising Respiratory Illness Activity Across the Nation, Midwest and South Hardest Hit
Date: [Insert Date]
Respiratory illness activity markers surged nationwide last week, with both COVID-19 and influenza making significant impacts on public health. According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Midwest and Northeast experiences the most profound effects of COVID-19, while the South faced the highest flu activity levels.
The latest figures indicate a worrying trend of increased hospitalizations and fatalities due to COVID-19. Hospitalizations surged by 16.7% compared to the previous week, with a staggering 29,000 individuals being admitted to hospitals for COVID-19 in the week leading up to Christmas. Particularly concerning are several counties in the Midwest and Northeast that are now considered at moderate or high risk.
Tragically, COVID-19 accounted for 3.3% of all deaths last week, with higher mortality rates reported in the Midwest and certain parts of the Northeast. Deaths due to the virus rose by 10%, signaling an alarming acceleration of the pandemic’s toll.
Notably, emergency department visits related to COVID-19 soared by 12% compared to the previous week. Test positivity rates for the virus rose significantly from 0.7% to a concerning 12.7% at a national level, especially affecting the Midwest and Northeast regions. Data from wastewater tracking also reveals the highest levels of the virus in these areas, approaching the levels seen during the same period last year.
Concurrently, influenza activity is also intensifying nationwide, with the Southeast now experiencing the highest level of activity and New Mexico reporting the highest level of flu activity. Test positivity for flu at clinical labs is alarmingly above 20% in four regions, spanning the Mountain West, South Central, Southeast, and Middle Atlantic.
Outpatient visits for flu-like illness have remained above the national baseline for eight consecutive weeks, currently standing at 6.1% higher than the previous week. Flu-related hospitalizations continue to surge, with approximately 14,700 individuals hospitalised for flu last week alone. A notable concern is the report of seven more pediatric flu-related deaths, bringing the total to 20 for this flu season.
As it stands, flu accounted for 0.5% of all deaths nationally last week, showcasing an increase from the previous week and emphasizing the severity of the current flu season.
These figures highlight the urgent need for increased vigilance, adherence to preventative measures, and widespread vaccination efforts to curtail the impact of both COVID-19 and the flu on public health. Authorities are urging communities to follow safety protocols and encouraging individuals to get vaccinated, helping to protect themselves and those around them.
