Weekly Surveillance Summary

updated:

12/13/2024

Key Points

• In Chicago, RSV activity is high and overall respiratory illness activity across a broad range of respiratory diseases is low but increasing.
• RSV activity is high and likely at or near the peak for the season. Influenza activity is low and COVID-19 activity is minimal, but both are increasing.
• The percent of emergency department visits and hospital admissions for RSV in children younger than 5 years continues to increase. Visits for influenza and COVID-19 have also started to increase.
• The percent of specimens that tested positive for RSV was 11.2%, similar to last week. Test positivity for COVID-19 increased from 1.6% to 2.9%. Influenza test positivity increased from 1.7% to 2.2%. Among influenza A specimens subtyped, most have been H3N2.
• While wastewater concentrations for RSV are low, concentrations have been increasing. Influenza A wastewater levels are low and COVID-19 levels remain minimal.
• It’s not too late to get vaccinated! There is still time to benefit from COVID-19, influenza, and RSV immunizations this season to reduce the risk of infection and severe disease. This is especially important going into the holiday season, when large gatherings of people are common. Learn more about how to protect yourself this respiratory season here and here.
• For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, see H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation.