33 Dead As Flu And RSV Infections Spike In CA

CALIFORNIA — California has recorded its 22nd influenza death of the season and 11th RSV death as cases of both respiratory illnesses continue to climb across the Golden State.

Respiratory syncytial virus infections — better known as RSV — is unusually active for this time of year. Infections across the state are up as officials in the Bay Area have raised alarms about a sharp increase of RSV in one county.

RSV wastewater concentrations have doubled in the last week in Gilroy, Palo Alto and Sunnyvale and in the last month in San Jose, according to data from the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health. Public health officials say that's a sign of a respiratory-virus season that's ramping up statewide.

"This increase in wastewater is consistent with increasing RSV activity in California. RSV wastewater concentrations have been increasing throughout the state," a California Department of Public Health spokesperson told Patch.

To date this season, there have been 11 deaths associated with RSV, with four identified last week. There have been 22 flu deaths so far, with two last week, according to CDPH data.

Across the nation, RSV infections have spiked recently even, causing emergency rooms in some states to fill up

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said Friday the RSV season is expected to peakin the next week.

It comes as flu activity continues to be considered "low" in the vast majority of California, while parts of Central California are seeing more moderate levels of infection.

The statewide positivity rate for both illnesses continues to increase: Last week the flu positivity rate was 7.4 percent, while RSV came back positive in 12.2 percent of tests administered, according to state data.

The first RSV vaccines approved for use in the U.S. landed in pharmacies earlier this year. The shots are recommended for seniors and pregnant people, who are among the most vulnerable to the virus. There is a more limited supply available for infants and toddlers, according to state health officials.

The CDC recommends annual flu vaccines for everyone over the age of 6. It's best to get them in September or October, but if you haven't gotten a shot yet, you should still get one, the CDC said.

The makeup of the flu vaccine varies annually, which means some years' vaccines are more effective against the year's strains than others.

"There is evidence that this year's flu vaccine will be a strong match for circulating strains," the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in a statement.