‘Quad-Demic’ Of Illnesses Straining FL Emergency Rooms

FLORIDA — 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 Florida 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.

Here’s the situation in Florida:

• Influenza activity: The CDC reported high activity in Florida.
• RSV activity: The activity is low, with 21 sites reporting. Parts of Orange County saw high activity, while Hillsborough County reported minimal virus activity.
• COVID-19 activity: The activity level is moderate. Escambia, Alachua and Pinellas all reported high activity. Twenty-three sites statewide have reported activity in the past week.
• Norovirus: Florida does not report norovirus cases to the CDC.

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.