FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. – A handful of common viruses are circulating across Franklin County this month, mirroring trends seen across Pennsylvania and the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health officials.
CDC surveillance shows influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, remain the leading causes of respiratory-related doctor and emergency department visits in the region. While COVID-19 activity has ticked down slightly from winter peaks, overall respiratory virus activity in Pennsylvania is still classified as moderate.
Flu activity remains steady, with health officials noting a seasonal shift in strains. After a predominately Influenza A season, the CDC is reporting more Influenza B cases, a pattern that can prolong the flu season into late winter and early spring. Older adults, young children, pregnant people and those with chronic health conditions remain at higher risk for complications, including pneumonia and hospitalization.
COVID-19 continues to circulate at lower but persistent levels, supported by wastewater testing and hospital data, CDC reports show. Hospitalizations now are concentrated largely among older adults and people with underlying medical conditions, underscoring ongoing recommendations for updated vaccination and prompt testing when symptoms appear.
RSV, a common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and toddlers, has begun to decline after elevated activity earlier in the year. Pediatric providers, however, are still seeing cases in young children and some older adults with underlying lung or heart disease.
Alongside respiratory viruses, gastrointestinal illness is also making the rounds. CDC trend data and reports from Pennsylvania schools and communities point to increased norovirus circulation, the highly contagious “stomach bug” that causes sudden vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus spreads easily in households, classrooms and long-term care settings, often through contaminated hands, surfaces or food.
Health officials stress that alcohol-based hand sanitizer does not reliably kill norovirus. Instead, they recommend thorough handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or before preparing food. People who are sick are urged to stay home for at least 24 hours after vomiting and diarrhea stop to reduce spread.
While Franklin County has not reported a large local outbreak of measles, CDC data show sporadic measles cases in parts of the country and recent infections in other Pennsylvania counties, primarily among unvaccinated individuals. The agency urges families to confirm that children and adults are up to date on the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, especially before travel or participation in large gatherings.
CDC officials say basic prevention steps remain the most effective way to limit the spread of the illnesses now circulating. They recommend staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands frequently, cleaning high-touch surfaces, keeping current on recommended vaccines and talking with a health care provider about testing and treatment options, particularly for those at higher risk of severe disease.
