CDC Tracks Four Respiratory Illnesses Surging in Fall
Group A strep, rhinovirus, mycoplasma, and pertussis are driving increased hospital visits across the United States.
By Sakura Ellis ·
Four distinct respiratory illnesses are driving higher infection rates across the United States this fall.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified these conditions in a report covering data through October 31. The agency stated that these specific pathogens have drawn recent attention or show signs of increased activity. Emergency departments are seeing more patients with acute upper respiratory infections, sore throats, pneumonia, and bronchitis.
Group A strep infections spiked when schools reopened this fall but have begun to stabilize. The CDC noted that most reports involve strep throat or scarlet fever. The bacteria can also cause severe conditions such as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis.
Rhinovirus and enterovirus cases are currently elevated nationally. Respiratory adenovirus is elevated in specific regions of the country. The CDC described these trends as expected for this time of year. These viruses often cause coughs, fevers, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. More severe infections can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. No public vaccines exist for these illnesses. The agency recommended hand washing, surface cleaning, and staying home when sick as primary prevention methods.
In the Chicago area, medical experts report a rise in rhinovirus and enterovirus cases. Dr. Emily Landon, executive medical director of Infection Prevention and Control at UChicago, told NBC Chicago in October that a significant wave of rhino enterovirus is circulating. She advised that patients are more likely to have rhino enterovirus than influenza.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae, known as walking pneumonia, shows low case numbers in most of the U.S. based on emergency department visits and testing. The CDC noted that the bacteria could still be behind chest pain or pneumonia cases in some patients. A suburban Chicago hospital recently limited support for people waiting in its emergency room as respiratory virus cases climbed.
Pertussis, or whooping cough, continues to circulate despite lower levels than the post-pandemic peak. The infection is highly contagious and spreads easily. The CDC stated that babies younger than one year face the highest risk of severe disease and complications. Vaccination remains the best method to prevent these complications.
