The most current respiratory disease surveillance data for North Dakota are summarized below for the week ending Saturday, Jan. 17.

The report provides a brief overview of respiratory activity statewide.

Reporting Week: Week 2

Week Ending: Jan. 17

Report Date: Jan. 21

Data Source: North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services

Reporting Period: Respiratory Season (Aug. 1, 2025-July 31, 2026)

This report provides a weekly summary of respiratory disease activity in North Dakota, including influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Data is used for disease surveillance and monitoring of trends. All data are preliminary and subject to revision.

During the week ending Jan. 17, North Dakota reported 827 influenza cases, reflecting a decrease from the prior week. COVID-19 cases also declined, with 309 cases reported statewide. RSV activity increased during the reporting period, with 58 cases identified.

The percentage of laboratory tests with positive results across all testing types showed mixed trends during the reporting week. Influenza test positivity was 26.26%, representing a decrease from the prior week. COVID-19 test positivity declined to 7.49%. RSV test positivity increased to 3.31%.

Outpatient surveillance data collected through the Influenza-Like Illness Network (ILINet) indicated a statewide influenza-like illness percentage of 2.87% for the reporting week. This represents a decrease from the prior week.

Based on current surveillance indicators, influenza activity in North Dakota remained categorized as high during the reporting week. COVID-19 activity was classified as moderate. RSV activity remained low statewide.

During the reporting week, 118 influenza-related hospitalizations were reported, reflecting a slight increase from the prior week. COVID-19 hospitalizations declined to 38. RSV hospitalizations increased slightly, with nine hospitalizations reported.

Since the beginning of the 2025-26 respiratory season on Aug. 1, 2025, North Dakota has reported 7,031 influenza cases, 3,030 COVID-19 cases and 223 RSV cases.

Season-to-date hospitalization totals include 596 influenza-related hospitalizations, 446 COVID-19-related hospitalizations and 38 RSV-related hospitalizations statewide.

Vital records data indicate 13 influenza-related deaths reported during the season to date, representing a slight increase from the prior week. COVID-19-related deaths totaled 16, also reflecting a slight increase. No RSV-related deaths were reported, indicating no change.

Influenza vaccination coverage among individuals aged 6 months and older was estimated at 25.54% statewide for the season, representing an increase from the prior week.

Influenza activity remains elevated statewide despite continued declines in weekly case counts. COVID-19 indicators showed modest improvement during the reporting period. RSV activity continues to increase gradually. Surveillance will continue on a weekly basis.

The next Respiratory Disease Surveillance Report will summarize data for the week ending Jan. 24.