United States: The health authorities across the United States have been studying the recent trends of diseases as Americans are dealing with a lot of illnesses simultaneously. According to the reports by experts, the COVID-19 trend is decreasing in the nation but the threat related to other viruses is still on the rise.
The concern has been raised after WastewaterSCAN shared a data related to the concentrations of the virus in the US and as per the same, the virus level has ranged from low to medium in certain regions of the United States.
While shedding light on the same, the program director for WastewaterSCAN – Marlene Wolfe, who also serves as the assistant professor of environmental health at Emory University, stated, “We’re seeing a downward trend, which is fantastic. Hopefully, that pattern continues as we enjoy some warmer weather and longer daylight,” as per the reports by USA Today.
In addition to this, the data revealed that COVID-19 is easing up but other infections, including stomach viruses and respiratory illnesses are rising. The experts further emphasised that the worries linked to viruses are high because the United States is approaching towards summer.
Is influenza still a concern?
Winters are waning, and spring is around the corner, but health experts have outlined that the flu cases, especially those linked to influenza B, are surging.
As per the details shared by WastewaterSCAN data, the samples of influenza A have witnessed a downfall, but influenza B has increased with 96 percent of samples in March, which was 66 percent in February. Addressing the same, Wolfe mentioned that both types of flu – influenza A and B, peak at different times of the year. However, the reappearance of influenza B – after being unnoticed last year- suggests that some common viruses are returning to the US.
Another flu-linked threat – Parainfluenza!
Parainfluenza, also known as Human Parainfluenza Viruses, has also surged a few times this season, as per the data shared by Wolfe.
The disease shows symptoms such as fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough and sore throat. The cases linked to the infection has witnessed an upsurge in November last year and now in mid-February the cases have again saw a sizeable peak.
Commonly, the human parainfluenza are found among the infants and young children, according to the details shared by CDC. The federal health agency has further outlined that in most of the cases, the infections is mild and children recover at their own home.
However, in certain cases, the respiratory illness can become severe disease, resulting in diseases like croup, bronchitis and pneumonia. As of now, there is no vaccination or drug to treat parainfluenza.
Norovirus – A Stomach Flu
Norovirus, frequently termed the gastric influenza or pathogen, is additionally escalating nationally, as indicated by Wolfe, progressing through a zenith that commenced in the early part of March.
This virus stands as the primary instigator of foodborne maladies within the United States, constituting 58% of occurrences annually. Specialists affirm that food typically becomes tainted by infected individuals during preparation rather than throughout the cultivation, harvesting, or manufacturing stages, as per USA Today.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documents approximately 2,500 outbreaks of norovirus across the US each year. These outbreaks predominantly arise between November and April; however, during years featuring a novel viral variant, the incidence can surge by up to 50 percent.
Norovirus precipitates more than 100,000 hospitalizations and 900 fatalities annually, predominantly impacting individuals aged 65 and above. Furthermore, it has led to nearly one million medical consultations for children.
The prevalent indications of this ailment encompass diarrhea, emesis, queasiness, and abdominal distress. Given the absence of accessible vaccines or antivirals, experts emphasize that prevention constitutes the cornerstone for maintaining well-being.
Rotavirus – another stomach virus, another concern!
The prevalence of another gastrointestinal virus, known as rotavirus, escalates during the warmer seasons, predominantly afflicting infants and toddlers.
According to Wolfe, analysis of wastewater indicates that instances of rotavirus began at minimal levels in September, but have since surged to substantial levels, as per the reports by USA Today.
Although susceptibility to illness persists throughout the year, occurrences are more frequent during the winter and spring months. Historically, rotavirus adhered to a biennial pattern, peaking every other year, particularly in even-numbered years such as 2024.
However, akin to influenza B, the trajectory of rotavirus has been influenced in recent years by the COVID-19 pandemic, as articulated by Jeff Goad, a professor of pharmacy practice and associate dean at Chapman University’s School of Pharmacy.
Goad expressed, “It formerly exhibited greater predictability. Eventually, we shall establish a consistent pattern, a trend that is already perceptible.”
Rotavirus typically induces severe, copious, watery diarrhea and vomiting in infants and toddlers, often resulting in significant dehydration and necessitating hospitalization. Annually, the CDC estimates that rotavirus prompts over 200,000 visits to the emergency room and up to 70,000 hospital admissions among children under the age of 5.
The demographic most vulnerable comprises young children aged between 3 months and three years who have not received vaccination. The rotavirus vaccine demonstrates efficacy in shielding 70% of children from contracting the illness and 90 percent from experiencing its most severe symptoms.