The latest report from the Health and Human Services (HHS) indicates a concerning rise in COVID-19 cases. During the week of September 23 to September 29, 2024, there were 35 deaths, 672 new hospital admissions, and 23 intubations due to the virus. The epidemiological data was compiled from the EHRC surveillance systems monitoring respiratory viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Influenza-like illness (ILI) cases remain low, as do Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases, with both categories showing a stable number of cases per 1,000 visits. However, the COVID-19 positivity rate has increased in all tested samples compared to the previous week. The recent rise in hospital admissions is noteworthy, with 672 new admissions reported, an increase from the weekly average of 593 over the past four weeks. Additionally, there were nine new intubations, slightly above the average of eight in previous weeks. Currently, 23 patients are hospitalized with COVID-19 and on intubation, while the total number of deaths has risen to 35, compared to an average of 29 in prior weeks.

Regarding new variants, as of September 27, the ECDC identified the KP.3 sub-variant of BA.2.86 as a strain of interest. The XEC sub-variant is also under monitoring, but KP.3 is currently the predominant strain. The first cases of XEC were detected in week 33 of 2024, and fortunately, these variants have not been associated with an increased risk of severe disease.

On a national level, the weighted viral load in municipal wastewater remains moderate compared to historical data, although there is a slight upward trend. In four out of ten regions, viral load levels appear high and are increasing, while other areas report low to moderate levels. Public health officials recommend that vulnerable populations, including the elderly and individuals with underlying conditions, adhere to preventative measures against respiratory infections and seek medical advice promptly if symptoms arise. Additionally, the general population is advised to limit contact with vulnerable groups if they exhibit respiratory symptoms.

In terms of influenza, positivity rates remain very low, with only sporadic positive samples reported from community surveillance networks and hospitals. There have been no new severe influenza cases requiring ICU hospitalization or additional deaths from laboratory-confirmed influenza this week. From week 40 of 2023 to week 39 of 2024, there were 149 hospitalizations due to laboratory-confirmed influenza and 71 deaths recorded. Among the 1,069 influenza strains identified during this time, 561 (52%) were type A and 508 (48%) were type B, with type B becoming more prevalent since week 10 in both community and hospital settings. In total, 543 type A strains were typed, with 495 (91%) belonging to the A(H1)pdm09 subtype and 48 (9%) to the A(H3) subtype.

Lastly, no positive samples of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were detected in either community or hospital surveillance networks, indicating a current low prevalence of this virus.