Increasing cases of COVID, flu, and RSV in Los Angeles County following the conclusion of the holiday season

Title: Spike in Illnesses in Los Angeles County Following Holiday Season

Los Angeles County, CA – Public health officials are warning residents of a concerning spike in sicknesses as the holiday season comes to an end. Travelers who gathered with family and friends during the festive period are being identified as the main spreaders of illness, leading to an alarming rise in COVID-19 cases. What’s even more alarming is that this surge in cases is happening simultaneously with an increase in flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases.

On January 2nd, COVID-19 hospitalizations in Los Angeles County exceeded 800 per day, with the highest number of cases reported around Christmas. Tragically, just under four people are losing their lives daily due to the virus’s impact. It appears that the holiday gatherings and increased travel have played a significant role in this surge.

As if the COVID-19 situation wasn’t worrisome enough, the county is also witnessing a rise in flu cases as the new year unfolds. Hospitals are seeing an average of 425 influenza-positive patients daily, and it is uncertain whether the flu activity has peaked, even though there has been a decline in the most recent week. This decline does offer some hope, but health officials emphasize that it is too soon to determine the overall trend.

While there is some respite regarding RSV cases, which showed a decline from nearly 500 weekly positive cases in December to 238 cases in January, it remains crucial to remain cautious. L.A. County has been classified as having a low hospitalization admissions rate by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, as a precaution, healthcare workers and visitors are mandated to wear masks in the county.

Concerns about respiratory illnesses are not confined to Los Angeles County. California is one of 37 states that have been marked as having a “very high” level of respiratory illness. On a national level, both COVID-19 and RSV positivity rates remain stable, while positive flu cases have seen a slight decrease.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, the CDC has reported very high COVID-19 wastewater viral activity levels across the United States. This underscores the urgency in practicing preventative measures and adhering to public health guidelines to mitigate the spread of the virus.

As the battle against the ongoing pandemic continues, it is essential for everyone to remain vigilant and prioritize their health and well-being. Following protocols such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and getting vaccinated can help protect individuals and their communities during these challenging times.