CDC Director Warns of Post-Thanksgiving Spike: COVID-19 and Other Viruses on the Rise

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a significant nationwide increase in key COVID-19 trends, marking the first major uptick in virus spread seen in months, reported American media.

The most substantial increases are observed in the Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic regions, with virtually all parts of the country experiencing accelerations. Data from emergency rooms and wastewater sampling indicate steep rises in infections in states like Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, the reports stated.

The rates of infections among nursing home residents in the Midwest have surged in recent weeks, surpassing levels not seen since the peak of last winter’s COVID-19 wave. CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen mentioned a resurgence in COVID-19 cases following Thanksgiving gatherings and travels.

Currently, close to 2 million Americans reside in counties with “high” levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations, prompting the CDC’s recommendation for masking and additional precautions. Additionally, around 1 in 10 Americans are in communities with “medium” hospitalization levels, warranting some extra precautions for at-risk individuals.

The CDC is closely monitoring the acceleration of other respiratory illnesses alongside the rise in COVID-19. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has reached “near peak” levels in many southern states, particularly affecting young children. RSV hospitalizations are reported to be worse than pre-pandemic seasons but are projected to peak later and at lower levels than last year.

Flu trends are also on the rise nationwide, with expected increases into December. However, influenza has not yet surpassed COVID-19 levels in emergency room visits. Dr. Cohen emphasized that despite the increase in various respiratory viruses, COVID-19 remains the primary cause of hospitalizations and fatalities.

Reports of pneumonia-like illness in children, potentially caused by the common mycoplasma bacteria, have been monitored. Although some countries abroad are experiencing a surge in mycoplasma infections in children, U.S. trends suggest that respiratory illnesses in children are currently typical for the winter season.

CDC’s analysis of data from testing laboratories and emergency rooms nationwide indicates that COVID-19, flu, RSV, and pneumonia cases in children are within the expected range for this time of the year. While emergency room visits for influenza among school-age kids have surged, rates of influenza in children still outweigh those for COVID-19, contrasting with patterns seen in adults. Dr. Cohen assured that the situation aligns with the typical winter respiratory virus season, with children generally recovering at home.