Caitlin Rivers on Rising Respiratory Illness Trends

December 28, 2025

Written by: Caitlin Rivers

In this update, epidemiologist Caitlin Rivers outlines the current state of respiratory illnesses across the United States as data from late December becomes available following the holiday reporting lag. Influenza activity is rising rapidly nationwide, with many states experiencing sharp increases in emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and test positivity rates. Several regions, including parts of the West, Midwest, Northeast, and South, are already meeting or exceeding last season’s peak flu levels, with especially high activity among children and young adults in some states.

COVID-19 activity remains relatively low compared to influenza but is increasing in multiple states, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast. While some regions are seeing gradual upticks in emergency visits and test positivity, COVID-19 levels remain stable in many areas.

RSV activity continues to rise slowly, with notable increases in certain states, though overall levels remain lower than last year in several regions. Other respiratory pathogens, including rhinovirus, enterovirus, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, and mycoplasma, are also circulating widely this winter.

The report also highlights rising norovirus activity detected through wastewater surveillance, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast, and emphasizes hygiene measures to reduce transmission. In addition, Rivers notes multiple ongoing food recalls due to contamination risks, as well as updates on infectious disease outbreaks, including a growing measles outbreak in South Carolina, a nationwide rise in measles cases, a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to raw oysters, and a large measles epidemic in Sudan driven by conflict-related disruptions to healthcare and vaccination efforts.

Read the full article by Caitlin Rivers here.

Dr. Rivers’ expertise in epidemiology and infectious disease control makes her keynote both timely and crucial for understanding the complexities of pandemic preparedness and response. Her clear analysis of the evolving nature of H5N1 and the importance of preventive measures ensures that her insights are both relevant and essential for tackling global health threats. Dr. Rivers’ speaking engagements are managed exclusively by WWSG. To host her for your event, contact us.