COVID-19 transmission low; flu transmission decreasing in Oregon

Test percent positivity chart for COVID-19 in Oregon throughout the pandemic. 

(MAY 23, 2024)  Health officials are reporting low COVID-19 and low-moderate flu transmission in Oregon. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season ended March 30, when transmission levels in Oregon met the criteria to declare the RSV season over.

COVID-19

This week, the state reported a 2.4% test positivity rate for COVID-19, its lowest point in nearly four years. This indicates continued low community transmission in Oregon, based on data reported to health officials during the week ending May 11.

Over time, test percent positivity has proven to be an extremely accurate measure of COVID-19 community transmission, correlating with wastewater and hospitalization surveillance data that Oregon collects and reports weekly. 

Recent COVID-19 transmission is largely driven by the JN.1 Omicron subvariant; however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that the KP.2 Omicron subvariant will soon become the predominant strain circulating in the U.S. KP.2 is a close descendant of JN.1 and is not predicted to cause more severe disease.

The COVID-19-associated hospitalization rate in Oregon remains very low.

Influenza

Based on data reported during the week ending May 11, influenza community transmission in Oregon is decreasing following a second wave that began in March, with a test percent positivity of 5.0%. Overall influenza activity is low-moderate, and it’s never too late to get vaccinated against influenza.

Safety measures that protect us from respiratory viruses

• Get vaccinated against COVID-19, the flu and RSV.

• Stay home if you are sick – until you are feeling better.

• Cover your coughs and wash your hands often.

• For those at increased risk of severe disease or who live with someone who is at higher risk for severe disease, OHA recommends considering masking indoors when respiratory virus transmission is significant.

• Plan ahead. Anyone at increased risk for complications from respiratory illnesses should have a conversation with their health care provider about how to proceed should they become sick. Symptoms for COVID-19 and influenza are similar, and while at-home tests can confirm a COVID-19 infection, a health care provider must diagnose the flu. There are antiviral medications for each infection that can reduce the risk of severe illness.