Outbreak Outlook for December 18

Here is the December 18 edition of Outbreak Outlook, by epidemiologist Dr Caitlin Rivers. Some highlights:

"Influenza-like illness rose again, with 4.4% of visits to the doctor were for fever and cough or sore throat during the week ending December 9. The week prior was 4.1%."

COVID: " The number of new weekly hospitalizations increased slightly this week to 23,432, up from 22,730 the week prior. This is consistent with the idea that we are in the winter 'wave,' though I continue to think this wave will be on the smaller side." 

RSV:  "Hmm, my hopes that RSV season has peaked at the National level were dashed in this week’s data update. PCR test positivity increased to 12.3%, which is similar to recent levels. I’ll be keeping a close eye on next week’s data to get a better sense of which direction we are headed in."

There's also important information on Norovirus and on food recalls, including a big one involving Quaker Granola Bars.

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