RSV rates significantly increase in Southern California

We are seeing significant increases in the numbers of positive RSV tests from our reporting sites in Southern California. The week of 12/25 we recorded 25% positive samples and last week it was up to 33%. A similar trend is being seen throughout the state as reported by the California Department of health:

"A sharp increase in the percentage of RSV detections in sentinel labs was observed this week. Table 3 shows positive influenza and RSV results reported from sentinel laboratories during Week 52. Of 1,397 specimens tested for RSV during Week 52, 614 (44.0%) were positive. This was a substantial increase from the previous week, when 462 (32.4%) of 1,409 specimens tested positive for RSV".

Data from the 65 sentinel laboratories can be seen on the California DPH website: www.cdph.ca.gov/