‘Quad-Demic’ Of Illnesses Straining PA Emergency Rooms

PENNSYLVANIA — 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 Pennsylvania 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. Pennsylvania is at the "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 Pennsylvania:

Influenza activity: The number of emergency department visits for the flu is high and emergency visits 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 very high in Pennsylvania. Emergency department visits are moderate, and decreasing.

COVID-19 activity: Viral wastewater activity is high across the state, though the number of hospitalizations remains low.

Norovirus: Outbreaks of the virus increased through December around the country. In December, the Pennsylvania Department of Health closed a restaurant due to an norovirus outbreak. The state health department closed Faccia Luna, a restaurant in the State College area, for three days to perform a deep clean, WGAL reported.

Additionally, oysters were recalled in multiple states, including Pennsylvania, because the FDA said they may be contaminated with norovirus. More information on that recall can be found here.

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.