Alaska Department of Health Respiratory Virus Snapshot

Updated through March 23, 2024

Background

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.

Lab-Confirmed Cases

Summary

Alaska

Lab-Confirmed COVID-19, Flu and RSV Cases by Week

Get the Cases by Onset Date Data Here

  • 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.

By Region - COVID-19

Get COVID-19 Case Rate by Region Data Here

  • The region depicted is the Alaska Behavioral Health Region, defined here.
  • By national convention, cases are assigned to region based on patient residence. When patient residence is not immediately known or is not in Alaska, cases are assigned to region based on the location of the reporting health care provider.
  • Areas with low or no case counts may reflect absence of testing rather than absence of disease.

By Region - Influenza

Get Flu Case Rate by Region Data Here

  • The region depicted is the Alaska Behavioral Health Region, defined here.
  • By national convention, cases are assigned to region based on patient residence. When patient residence is not immediately known or is not in Alaska, cases are assigned to region based on the location of the reporting health care provider.
  • Areas with low or no case counts may reflect absence of testing rather than absence of disease.

By Region - RSV

Get RSV Case Rate by Region Data Here

  • RSV only became reportable to public health in September 2023; data presented from prior to that time represent a convenience sample.
  • The region depicted is the Alaska Behavioral Health Region, defined here.
  • By national convention, cases are assigned to region based on patient residence. When patient residence is not immediately known or is not in Alaska, cases are assigned to region based on the location of the reporting health care provider.
  • Areas with low or no case counts may reflect absence of testing rather than absence of disease.

Seasonal Comparison

Summary

COVID-19

COVID-19 Cases in Alaska, by Season and by Week

Influenza

Influenza Cases in Alaska, by Season and by Week

RSV

RSV Cases in Alaska, by Season and by Week

Get RSV Seasonal Comparison Data Here
  • RSV only became reportable to public health in September 2023; data presented from prior to that time represent a convenience sample.

Virus Variants

Summary

Lab-Confirmed Flu Types in Alaska

Emergency Department Visits

Summary

Respiratory-related Syndromic Surveillance Visits by Week

Information and Resources

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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