March 6, 2024

By Your Name, Health Editor

Key Highlights

• Ohio, Nebraska, New Mexico, Michigan, and Arkansas experience ‘very high’ flu activity.
• Two additional children have lost their lives, raising the flu death toll to 93.
• Norovirus outbreaks surge in North East, causing severe symptoms.

Flu Activity Spike in Multiple US States

We may be heading into spring, but several states in America continue to battle the flu and other respiratory infections. According to the latest weekly report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Ohio, Nebraska, New Mexico, Michigan, and Arkansas exhibit ‘very high’ levels of flu activity. This signifies the highest number of people reporting flu-like symptoms to healthcare professionals.

Furthermore, many other states also witness ‘high’ levels of respiratory illnesses, maintaining a similar number from the previous week.

Norovirus Outbreak Sweeps North East Region

A concerning surge in norovirus, commonly known as the stomach flu, currently impacts the North East region. The rapid spread of this highly contagious virus has disrupted daily life, forcing communities to put their schedules on hold. The incidence of norovirus has dramatically risen since November, with a remarkable increase in positive test results in the weeks leading up to February. The CDC reports that nearly 14 percent of tests in the region are positive for norovirus, accompanied by persistent positivity rates above 13 percent.

Norovirus primarily spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces, subsequently touching the mouth or nose region. Symptoms typically manifest as gastrointestinal discomfort such as stomach ache and watery diarrhea, accompanied by a fever and headache. Fortunately, most cases of norovirus resolve within two days with minimal intervention required, usually only involving bed rest.

Implications of Pandemic-Related Lockdowns

The severity of the ongoing flu and norovirus cases appears to be amplified by the impact of pandemic-related lockdowns and isolation. The reduced exposure to germs, as a result of social distancing, has led to weakened immune systems in individuals, making them more susceptible to these infections. Consequently, doctors are observing more severe forms of illness than usual during this time of the year.

Data from the Ohio Department of Health reveals that flu-like illnesses in the state are currently well above the five-year average for this time frame. Ohio, in particular, has seen a six percent surge in respiratory illnesses compared to the previous week, with a flu hospitalization rate of 51 per 100,000 population.

Flu Death Toll and Impact

The flu season, starting from last October, has taken a toll on the population, especially children. The recent flu-related deaths of two more children in the week leading up to February 24 increase the total pediatric death count to 93 for this flu season.

The CDC estimates that this season has witnessed at least 26 million flu-related illnesses, 290,000 hospitalizations, and 18,000 deaths so far across the United States.

Comparatively, the 2022-2023 flu season recorded 31 million flu cases, 360,000 hospitalizations, and 21,000 deaths.

Expert Analysis and Concerns

Health experts express concern regarding the emergence of a ‘mystery virus’ causing Covid-like symptoms, despite individuals testing negative for Covid, as well as other respiratory infections like the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Descriptions of persistent illnesses, including high fevers, nausea, breathing difficulties, loss of the sense of smell, and fatigue, have been surfacing on social media platforms.

Although the virus has been labeled as mysterious, experts believe it is likely one of the common seasonal illnesses that were overshadowed during the Covid pandemic. The phenomenon can be attributed to individuals’ heightened sensitivity to their health status post-pandemic and weakened immune systems resulting from reduced exposure to pathogens.