'Quad-Demic' Of Illnesses Making Thousands Sick: What To Know In CT

CONNECTICUT — Public health officials are warning that a “quad-demic” — a contagious combination of COVID-19, influenza, RSV and the nasty stomach bug norovirus — is putting pressure on Connecticut emergency rooms and hospitals.

Respiratory viruses are at high or very high levels across most of the country, according to the latest surveillance report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency said in an update Friday that nationally, wastewater surveillance shows viral activity is high for influenza A and moderate for RSV.

COVID-19 levels are low, but coupled with norovirus, offer a quadruple threat.

Norovirus data from public health laboratories from around the country tallied by the CDC shows that Midwest states from Kansas to Michigan are the hardest hit by the highly contagious stomach bug, whose symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus positivity test levels in all regions of the country are as high or higher than last season’s peak nationwide.

Last week in Connecticut, there were 160 hospitalizations due to the flu, down from 236 the previous week, making for 1,008 on the season. Wastewater viral activity level for COVID-19 in the state is currently "High" (7.05), down from a seasonal "Very High" of 10.34 the week ending Jan. 4. The wastewater viral activity level for RSV in Connecticut is also currently "High," at 17.63, up from the beginning of the year, but down from Dec. 21's seasonal high of 20.90. The state does not report norovirus data to the CDC, but Connecticut Children's Hospital has reported a spike in cases.

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The wastewater viral activity level indicates whether the amount of virus in the wastewater is minimal, low, moderate, high, or very high. The wastewater viral activity levels may indicate the risk of infection in an area. The wastewater viral activity levels are categorized as follows:

• Up to 4 – Minimal
• Greater than 4 and up to 8 – Low
• Greater than 8 and up to 12 – Moderate
• Greater than 12 and up to 20 – High
• Greater than 20 – Very High

In its most recent update on respiratory viruses, the CDC said COVID predictions for the next two weeks suggest that emergency department visits will remain at a lower level compared to prior winter seasons. Influenza predictions suggest that emergency department visits will be high and will increase in most states.