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Need some good news? The state’s recent spike in hospitalizations due to influenza have now fallen sharply for two consecutive weeks. After a far less dramatic uptick in respiratory syncytial virus, preliminary data shows a downtick in RSV hospitalizations as well.  

This is according to the data issued Thursday 

, which also shows COVID-19 related hospitalizations have fallen for two weeks. Wastewater data from the University of Minnesota also 

shows statewide COVID-19 levels falling for the most recent two week period

In even more good news, the department’s data indicates that, after a big surge in pertussis cases (better known as whooping cough) that peaked around Thanksgiving, the drop in late 2024 has been sustained in early 2025.  

The communicable disease picture is not all rosy in the state, however.  

that we reported for “the winter vomiting bug” just two weeks ago

 has now increased from 26 to 91 outbreaks — which together have involved 2,499 sick individuals. That is an increase from the already way-above-average norovirus statistics that the department reported for December: 84 outbreaks involving a total of 2,021 known cases. 

Even the downward trend in COVID-19 activity is not without an unfortunate footnote. Preliminary data for the week ending Jan. 11 shows that 33 Minnesotans lost their lives due at least in part to COVID-19. That is the state’s highest weekly COVID-19 mortality report since Feb. 2024.  

While the preliminary mortality data could be revised, and likely upward, it is also likely that COVID-19 deaths will follow hospitalization trends and decrease in weeks to come.

Graph of COVI-19 deaths and hospital admissions by week in Minnesota

For additional data on influenza, RSV and COVID-19 activity in Minnesota, see: 

https://www.apmresearchlab.org/covid/mn-key-data

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Craig Helmstetter

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The good news? Flu, COVID-19, RSV and whooping cough are all on the decline in Minnesota. The bad news? Norovirus case counts have climbed this month, and lagging COVID-19 reveals the highest weekly mortality count in 11 months.

Hospital admissions from flu, COVID-19 and RSV in Minnesota

APM Research Lab

Minnesota Department of Health

Norovirus outbreaks in Minnesota by month

Flu, COVID-19 and whooping cough down, norovirus still up

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