‘Quad-Demic’ Of Illnesses Straining NJ Emergency Rooms

NEW JERSEY — 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 New Jersey 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. New Jersey is at the "very high" level for respiratory illness activity.

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 New Jersey:

Influenza activity: The number of emergency department visits for the flu remain very high and are increasing, according to CDC data.

RSV activity: Wastewater levels of the virus, which are used to test traces of infectious diseases circulating in a community, are low in New Jersey. Emergency department visits are moderate, and decreasing.

COVID-19 activity: Viral wastewater activity is high across the state. though the number of emergency department visits is low — but increasing.

Norovirus: Outbreaks of the virus increased through December around the country, and increased 350 percent in New Jersey over 2023, according to health officials. In December, the Food and Drug Administration advised restaurants and retailers in 14 states, including New Jersey, not to serve or sell certain oysters contaminated with norovirus.

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.

Patch's national desk contributed to this report.