‘Quad-Demic’ Of Illnesses Straining MA Emergency Rooms

MASSACHUSETTS — 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts

Influenza activity: According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the severity of influenza in the state is currently classified as “moderate.” Hospitalizations have increased .3% in the previous week.

RSV activity: According to the Center for Disease Control, the wastewater viral activity level is considered “very high.” The label is based on five specific sites throughout the state.

COVID-19 activity: The CDC also classifies the wastewater viral activity in Massachusetts for COVID-19 as “very high, based on seven different site locations.

Norovirus: Thus far throughout the month of January, 225 outbreaks of Norovirus have been reported by the 13 different states that make up the CDC’s NoroSTAT network. Massachusetts first joined the network in 2016.

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.