This report provides a weekly snapshot of respiratory virus activity in Alaska for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). The traditional CDC influenza season runs from October through May. RSV seasonality typically occurs in the Lower 48 from October through March; however, activity in Alaska is distinct, with year-to-year variations that can extend beyond March. Regardless, respiratory virus activity often occurs year-round and pathogens beyond these three viruses are also present and can cause respiratory illness. Key tools available to individuals to minimize community risk include obtaining recommended immunizations, taking preventive actions like hand washing and staying home when ill, and seeking testing when symptomatic.
The goal of this report is to provide situational awareness on select respiratory virus trends based on reported laboratory-confirmed cases and syndromic surveillance data. The format of this report is new for the 2023–24 season and may be adjusted over time.
Summary
Lab-Confirmed COVID-19, Flu and RSV Cases by Week
Cases are attributed to specimen collection date. If this is not immediately known, cases are attributed to the earliest date reported to the Division of Public Health; therefore, case counts may be updated as new data become available.
RSV only became reportable to public health in September 2023; data presented from prior to that time represent a convenience sample.
Summary
Influenza Cases in Alaska, by Season and by Week
RSV Cases in Alaska, by Season and by Week
Summary
Circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants are tracked by CDC, please visit their site to learn more.
Most flu reported in Alaska has been type A. However in recent weeks there has been an increase of type B flu in Alaska.
Lab-Confirmed Flu Types in Alaska
Summary
Early in the season, all acute respiratory and influenza-like illness (ILI) indicators exhibited an upward trend for several weeks; however, both indicators subsequently declined. Currently, the all acute respiratory and COVID-like illness indicators remain near baseline levels. There has been a slight increase in the influenza-like illness indicator. RSV activity also remains low.
Syndromic surveillance consists of analyzing data on symptoms and diagnoses among patients visiting emergency departments in Alaska. The main goal is to identify trends. Unlike case-based surveillance, syndromic surveillance does not depend on laboratory testing; rather, it uses a mixture of keyword and diagnosis code searches.
Some of the people counted in these searches might have a different infection or an entirely different health problem with similar symptoms to respiratory viral infection. Because of this, we usually see some activity in these searches year-round (represented by the baselines), but expect them to increase when respiratory virus activity increases.
Respiratory-related Syndromic Surveillance Visits by Week
To access the latest CDC guidance on respiratory viruses in community settings, including information on COVID-19 click here
This report was created by the Alaska Division of Public Health. To learn more about the methods for generating this report, click here.
For questions about the data, please email infdisease@alaska.gov. For questions about immunizations, please email immune@alaska.gov.
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