NYC Sees RSV Cases Spike 800% In Recent Weeks, Data Shows

NEW YORK CITY — Cases of respiratory syncytial virus — RSV — have exploded roughly 800% in the past two months across New York City, new data shows.

More than 4,500 RSV cases were detected the first week of November, compared to fewer than 500 during a similiar span mid-September, according to a city health department report.

The report released Thursday also shows that flu cases have been on the rise as well, with roughly 3,800 detected.

"Influenza activity in NYC is increasing," it states.

Experts have warned of a potential "tridemic" this season as RSV, influenza and COVID-19 cases appear poised to peak near-simultaneously.

All three illnesses have similar respiratory symptoms. But an RSV surge is particularly worrisome for infants, as it affects them more severely and can cause breathing problems.

Surging RSV cases have already started to strain New York City hospitals, said Jay Varma, a former health adviser for the city.

"Surge in clinic and ER visits right now is challenging NYC healthcare system with respiratory illness visits for children 0-4 exceeding #Omicron surge," he tweeted, referring to a recent New York Daily News story.

So far, COVID-19 cases have yet to show the cold weather surge they've shown since the pandemic began.

After a recent increase in COVID-19 cases, the city is now seeing "stable" levels at 2,494 a day, according to city health data.

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