SALISBURY, Md. -- As winter unfolds, the Delmarva Peninsula is grappling with a resurgence of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The uptick has led to varying levels of concern across the region, prompting some health organizations to reimpose mask mandates.
According to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Virginia and Maryland are experiencing a significant uptick in flu activity, while Delaware maintains a minimal and almost low level. RSV, a respiratory virus affecting both adults and children, is particularly prevalent in Maryland, with a nearly 15 percent positivity rate from over 400 tests—a slight decrease from the previous week.
Concerns about the rise in hospitalizations are also on the radar. Delaware reported 102 new hospital admissions in the past week, marking a staggering 62 percent increase from the preceding week. Similarly, Virginia saw 790 hospitalizations, up by 21 percent, and Maryland reported 451 hospitalizations, a marginal increase of just over 1 percent.
Health experts attribute the resurgence to the holiday season, with increased travel and gatherings leading to more people falling ill and requiring hospitalization.
Dr. Christopher Snyder of Tidal Health emphasizes the severity of the flu.
"Our flu count has gone off the rocker this week, so it's been really high," said Snyder. "So flu is actually much more virulent right now, and people are sicker with flu than they are with COVID."
Nilesh Kalyanaraman from the Maryland Department of Health encourages individuals to stay up-to-date with vaccinations for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
"That decreases the severity and may prevent them from getting it," said Kalyanaraman.
As an additional protective measure, wearing masks is strongly advocated. Tidal Health and the Wicomico County Health Department have implemented their own mask mandates in response to the increase in hospitalizations. Pam Chandler of the Wicomico Health Department said MDH recommends mandates when cases pass a certain threshold.
"Currently, we are greater than 10 cases per 100,000 residents, which then determines a need to go ahead and mask in patient care areas," said Chandler.
While some residents in Salisbury, like Portiaa Williams, are diligently following precautionary measures.
"I'm trying to not get covid or any other disease I wear my mask everywhere I go, trying to be safe," said Williams.
Others, like Rick Smith, are not eager to put the masks back on.
"I don't want anybody telling me what I have to do with myself," said Smith. "It's not only that; it's knowing it's not effective, it's uncomfortable, and it looks stupid."
Health officials emphasize that while there is a notable increase in respiratory illnesses, it does not constitute a "spike" or "surge" comparable to the pandemic's peak. Infections are steadily rising but not at an alarming rate. The elderly and individuals with pulmonary issues, lung problems, or chronic diseases are advised to be extra cautious.
In light of the rising cases, health experts stress the importance of basic preventive measures—handwashing, testing if feeling unwell, isolating, and staying home from work. As the new year approaches, the expectation is that infections may continue to rise, necessitating continued vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines.
