Acute Respiratory Illness on the Cape & Islands

Seasonal Influenza

Seasonal influenza is at circulating at VERY HIGH levels in the Cape & Islands and throughout most of the state. We’re seeing an especially big jump in children (especially those under 5 years old) going to the Emergency Department for influenza. The oldest in our community (those over 80 followed by those 60-79 years old) are the ones increasingly being hospitalized.

Nationally, seasonal influenza activity, including outpatient and emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths, remains elevated across the country. Additional information about current influenza activity can be found at: MA DPH Influenza Reporting Dashboard and CDC Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report.

Table 3. Flu Severity Indicators, Number of Visits and Percent of Total Visits that Week

Avian Influenza (H5N1 Bird Flu)

H5N1 bird flu is different from seasonal influenza. H5N1 is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows. There have been a growing number of human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers and two human cases with unknown exposures. To-date, there has also been no detected human-to-human transmission. There have been ZERO cases to-date in Massachusetts. To read more about the national picture, visit the CDC Situation Summary website.

While the risk to the general public is low, specific groups like farmworkers and people with backyard flocks have a higher risk and should practice precautions. People with contact to dairy cows and poultry should be vigilant for symptoms of illness in their animals and protect themselves around sick animals (see personal protection guidance here). Employers, employees, and hobbyists should review steps to protect themselves and others around sick poultry or cows potentially infected with Bird Flu. Read detailed guidance here.

For general information about Bird Flu, see our dedicated webpage: Avian Bird Flu on Cape Cod – Barnstable County. Prevention recommendations include:

• Protective actions around wild birds – Avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance, if possible.
• What to do if you find a dead bird – Avoid contact with wild or domestic birds that appear ill or have died and call to report sick or dead birds. Find who to call on our dedicated webpage: Avian Bird Flu on Cape Cod – Barnstable County.
• Protective actions around other animals with H5N1 bird flu – Avoid unprotected exposure to infected live or dead animals or surfaces contaminated by them.
• Protective actions if you work with potentially infected dairy cattle – Avoid unprotected direct physical contact or close exposure with cattle and materials potentially infected or confirmed to be infected with HPAI A(H5) virus.
• Avoid Raw Milk – People should not eat or drink raw milk or products made with raw milk. Choosing pasteurized milk is the best way to keep you and your family safe.
• Traveling to other countries – CDC does not currently recommend any travel restrictions related to bird flu to countries affected by bird flu in birds, other animals or people.
• If you have contact with infected birds or other animals and become sick– Learn what to do if you have contact with infected birds or other animals and become sick.
• Clinicians can visit CDC’s avian influenza (bird flu) information for health professionals for the latest guidance.
• Public health professionals and laboratorians can visit CDC’s avian influenza (bird flu) information for public health partners for the latest guidance.
• Get a seasonal flu vaccine – Seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses, but can reduce the risk of getting sick with human influenza viruses and thus the risk for seasonal and bird flu co-infection.

RSV

RSV activity has increased to VERY HIGH levels locally, statewide, and nationwide. Nationally, RSV activity has peaked in many areas of the country. Emergency department visits and hospitalizations are highest in children and hospitalizations are elevated among older adults in some areas.

Table 4. RSV Severity Indicators, Number of Visits and Percent of Total Visits that Week