‘Quad-Demic’ Of Illnesses Straining MN Emergency Rooms

MINNESOTA — 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 Minnesota 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.

While COVID-19 levels remain low across most of the nation, Minnesota is experiencing a surge, with high rates of both flu and norovirus, adding to the quadruple threat to public health.

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.

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.

Here's the situation in Minnesota:

Minnesota Influenza Key Statistics

• Percent of molecular laboratory tests positive 32.1%
• Hospitalizations 3,392
• Most common strain Influenza A/H1N1 (2009)
• School outbreaks 134
• Long-term care outbreaks 52
• Pediatric influenza-associated deaths 0

RSV: In Minnesota, the wastewater viral activity level for RSV is currently High

COVID-19: In Minnesota, the wastewater viral activity level for COVID-19 is currently Very High.

In mid-December, the Minnesota Department of Health reported more than 40 norovirus outbreaks — commonly known as the "stomach flu" — for the month, nearly double the typical number seen during this time of year.