CDC identifies four respiratory viruses driving recent surge in emergency room visits

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that four specific respiratory illnesses are showing unusual activity this fall. The agency stated that group A strep, rhinovirus and enterovirus, respiratory adenovirus, and pertussis have recently received increased attention or indicated higher levels of activity. Emergency room data collected through October 31 reflects rising cases of acute upper respiratory infections, sore throats, pneumonia, and bronchitis nationwide.

Group A strep infections increased as children returned to school in the fall but have begun to stabilize, according to the CDC. The agency noted that most reports involve strep throat or scarlet fever, both caused by group A strep bacteria. The bacteria can also lead to serious conditions such as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis.

Rhinovirus and enterovirus cases are elevated nationally, while respiratory adenovirus is elevated in some regions. The CDC described these trends as expected for this time of year but linked them to a surge in coughs, fevers, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. More severe infections may result in bronchitis or pneumonia. The agency stated that no public vaccines are available for these specific illnesses and recommended hand washing, surface cleaning, and staying home when sick as prevention measures.

In the Chicago area, medical experts have observed a rise in rhinovirus and enterovirus cases. Dr. Emily Landon, the executive medical director of Infection Prevention and Control at UChicago, told NBC Chicago in October that patients were likely suffering from rhinovirus or enterovirus rather than influenza. She described the current circulation of rhinovirus and enterovirus as a pretty nasty round.

The surge in respiratory virus cases has affected local healthcare facilities. A suburban Chicago hospital limited support services for people waiting in its emergency room as respiratory virus cases climbed. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, also known as walking pneumonia, continues to circulate at low levels in most of the United States. The CDC noted that this bacteria can cause chest pain and cases of pneumonia.

Pertussis, or whooping cough, remains a highly contagious respiratory infection. While case numbers are lower than the post-pandemic peak, the CDC said the disease continues to spread. Babies younger than one year are at the highest risk for severe disease and complications. The agency identified vaccination as the best method to prevent complications from whooping cough.