CDC Reports Low National Respiratory Illness Activity, COVID-19 Cases Increasing in Some Areas
The CDC reported on June 21 that the amount of respiratory illness (fever plus cough or sore throat) causing people to seek healthcare is low nationally. During that week, no jurisdictions experienced moderate, high, or very high activity.
Seasonal influenza and RSV activity are low nationally, but COVID-19 activity is increasing in some areas.
COVID-19
COVID-19 test positivity has increased to 6.6% from 5.4% in the previous week. Emergency department visits for COVID-19 are also increasing nationally. Wastewater viral activity is showing increases in some states. We also estimate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 39 states and territories, declining or likely declining in 0 states or territories, and are stable or uncertain in 10 states and territories, based on CDC modeled estimates of epidemic growth. KP.3 and LB.1 are projected to continue increasing as proportions of the variants that cause COVID-19 (CDC COVID Data Tracker: Variant Proportions).
Influenza
Nationally, seasonal influenza activity remains low. Additional information about current influenza activity can be found at: Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report | CDC.
RSV
Nationally, RSV activity remains low.
Vaccination
National vaccination coverage for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccines remained low for children and adults for the 2023-24 respiratory illness season. COVID-19 vaccines continue to be recommended and can provide a layer of protection.
Janette Wider | Editor-in-Chief
Janette Wider is Editor-in-Chief for Healthcare Purchasing News.