This report includes data on both influenza and COVID for Week 45. Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) monitors influenza and other respiratory pathogens, including COVID-19, throughout Jefferson County, Missouri. JCHD conducts influenza surveillance using passive surveillance and syndromic surveillance. Although influenza illness can occur year-round, the seasonal influenza reporting begins on the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Week 40 of a given year and continues through MMWR Week 20 of the following calendar year. All data and information are conditional and may change as more reports are received.
COVID19 Data Dashboard: COVID-19 Data — Jefferson County Health Department (jeffcohealth.org)
Week 45 Respiratory Report: 2022_Week45_JCHDRespiratoryReport.pdf (squarespace.com)
Influenza Summary:
In the 5th week of this respiratory season, we are reporting 124 additional flu cases for a season total of 260 cases. Figure 2 in the respiratory report (linked above) shows an increase in flu cases this time of year compared to years past. There are no flu deaths reported this season. Prevention efforts remain key in reducing transmission of flu in the community. Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of flu. CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine especially those at a higher risk of serious complications.
COVID-19 Summary:
In the 5th week of respiratory season, we are reporting 206 new COVID cases for a season total of 1,309. There are 3 additional COVID deaths to report for week 45, bringing the season total to 10 COVID deaths.
Currently, Jefferson County, MO is in the MEDIUM COMMUNITY LEVEL (yellow). Recommended actions based on current level: Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you have symptoms. Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19. Wear a mask on public transportation. You may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others. If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider wearing a mask indoors in public and taking additional precautions.
RSV Summary:
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms including fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and in infants, fussiness and poor feeding. It can progress to more severe symptoms such as fast or short breathing or wheezing, and in infants and young children, grunting noises when breathing or chest caving in during breathing. While persons of any age can develop RSV, it is most common in children under age 2 and can be severe, especially for infants and older adults. Most people will recover in one to two weeks.
Though Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is not a reportable condition in Missouri, CDC tracks state level trends that show an increase in RSV detections in Missouri. RSV State Trends - NREVSS | CDC