Rise in Respiratory Illnesses in Lorain County

Emergency department visits for cough, fever, and vomiting have dramatically increased in the past week among Lorain County residents, according to data from EpiCenter compiled by Lorain County Public Health (LCPH).

• Cough visits: Up 70% (from 20 to 34 per day)
• Fever visits: Up 60% (from 19 to 28 per day)
• Vomiting visits: Up 63% (from 17 to 25 per day)
• Confirmed COVID-19 cases have increased by 28% in the past week.
• Local hospitals report a 7.5% influenza positivity rate, a significant jump from previous weeks.

“Community-level spread of both influenza and COVID-19 is currently underway, as typically observed during this time of year. We anticipate a rise in new cases in the coming weeks. This aligns with expected seasonal trends,” said Mitch Dandurand, MPH, epidemiology supervisor at LCPH.

There are multiple ways you can keep healthy and lower your risk of catching or spreading a respiratory virus. LCPH reminds everyone of core prevention strategies:

• Stay home when sick, and away from others: Avoid work, school, and social gatherings if you’re feeling unwell.
• Wash hands and clean surfaces: Frequently wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Disinfect “high-touched” surfaces (doorknobs, light switches, faucets, and remotes).
• Cover coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow.
• Contact a healthcare provider about worsening symptoms, testing, or treatment, and especially if you or someone you care for is at high risk for complications from a respiratory virus.
• Get vaccinated: Stay up-to-date on vaccinations for flu, pertussis (whooping cough), pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccinations.

“Remember, while COVID-19 and influenza are major contributors, other respiratory viruses are also circulating – including mycoplasma pneumoniae, suspected pertussis along with RSV and the common cold,” said Dandurand.

Learn more about protecting yourself and others at LorainCountyHealth.com/respiratoryviruses

For more information on how LCPH serves and supports a healthy community, contact them at 440-322-6367 or visit LorainCountyHealth.com. Get local health updates on X, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.