Iowa Respiratory Virus Watch: A Slight Dip, But Vigilance Remains Key
Respiratory virus activity in Iowa saw a slight decrease during the week ending February 28th, according to the latest report from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. While this offers a glimmer of hope, health officials emphasize the continued importance of preventative measures as several viruses remain at high levels.
Influenza Trends: A Gradual Decline
Influenza activity remains high across the state, but indicators suggest a downward trend. Laboratory testing revealed 18.5% of respiratory specimens tested positive for influenza, a decrease of 4.7 percentage points from the previous week. Emergency department visits related to influenza accounted for 3.1% of total visits. The State Hygienic Laboratory identified 605 positive influenza tests, with influenza A being the dominant strain – 478 cases compared to 88 cases of influenza B. Specifically, 12 cases were identified as A(H1N1)pdm09 and 39 as A(H3).
Pro Tip: Staying home when sick and practicing good hand hygiene are crucial steps in slowing the spread of influenza, especially during peak season.
COVID-19: Remaining at Low Levels
COVID-19 activity in Iowa continues to be classified as low. For the week ending February 28th, 4.5% of laboratory tests were positive for the virus, a slight decrease from the prior week. COVID-19 accounted for less than 1% of emergency department and inpatient visits. No new outbreaks were reported in long-term care facilities, and the state has recorded 103 cumulative COVID-19 deaths this season.
RSV: Still a Concern
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains high in Iowa. Laboratory data showed 9.4% of tests were positive for RSV, an increase of 0.9 percentage points. RSV was associated with 1.3% of emergency department visits and 1.4% of inpatient visits.
Other Viruses in Circulation
Several other respiratory viruses are also circulating in Iowa, contributing to the overall burden of illness. These include:
- Seasonal coronavirus (non-COVID-19): 12.2% positive
- Human metapneumovirus (HMPV): 7.4%
- Rhinovirus/enterovirus: 6.1%
- Adenovirus: 2.8%
- Parainfluenza virus: 0.5%
School Impact: Elevated Illness Levels
The impact of respiratory viruses is also being felt in schools. A total of 22 schools reported at least 10% of students absent due to illness during the week. Dubuque County was particularly affected, with five schools reporting elevated illness levels. Other counties with affected schools included Webster, Warren, Story, Polk, Palo Alto, Page, Osceola, Montgomery, Marshall, Mahaska, Linn, Kossuth, Delaware, Cerro Gordo, Cass, Butler, and Buena Vista.
Did you know? Sentinel schools reporting data indicated 3.6% of enrolled students were absent due to illness.
Looking Ahead: The 2025-2026 Respiratory Season
The current respiratory season officially began on September 28, 2025, and will continue through October 3, 2026. The composite of laboratory and syndromic surveillance data currently indicates high activity for influenza and RSV, and low activity for COVID-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if I experience respiratory symptoms?
A: Stay home, rest, and consult with a healthcare professional.
Q: Is the flu shot still recommended?
A: Yes, vaccination remains the best defense against influenza.
Q: Where can I find more information about respiratory viruses in Iowa?
A: Visit the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services website for the latest updates and guidance. https://idph.iowa.gov/
Stay informed and accept proactive steps to protect yourself and your community from respiratory viruses. Share this article with your friends and family to help spread awareness.
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