‘Quad-Demic’ Of Illnesses Straining GA Emergency Rooms

GEORGIA — 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 Georgia 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 Georgia:

• Influenza activity: The CDC reported very high activity in Georgia.
• RSV activity: The activity is high statewide and very high in parts of Fulton County, with eight sites reporting.
• COVID-19 activity: The activity level is high, specifically in the Fulton County area. Eight sites statewide have reported activity in the past week.
• Norovirus: Georgia 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.