The most current respiratory disease surveillance data for North Dakota are summarized below for the week ending Saturday, Jan. 24.

The report provides a brief overview of respiratory activity statewide.

Reporting Week: Week 3

Week Ending: Jan. 24

Report Date: Jan. 28

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. 24, North Dakota reported 697 influenza cases, representing a decrease from the prior week. COVID-19 cases increased slightly during the reporting period, with 321 cases reported statewide. RSV cases declined slightly, with 53 cases identified.

The weekly percentage of laboratory tests with positive results across all testing types declined for all three respiratory illnesses. Influenza test positivity was 24.12%, COVID-19 test positivity was 7.71%, and RSV test positivity was 2.09%, each reflecting a decrease from the prior week.

Outpatient surveillance data collected through the Influenza-Like Illness Network (ILINet) indicated a statewide influenza-like illness percentage of 2.53% 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, while RSV activity remained low statewide.

During the reporting week, 115 influenza-related hospitalizations were reported, reflecting a slight decrease from the prior week. COVID-19 hospitalizations declined to 29. RSV hospitalizations totaled nine, showing no change from the previous week.

Since the beginning of the 2025-26 respiratory season on Aug. 1, 2025, North Dakota has reported 7,729 influenza cases, 3,362 COVID-19 cases and 276 RSV cases.

Season-to-date hospitalization totals include 725 influenza-related hospitalizations, 476 COVID-19-related hospitalizations and 47 RSV-related hospitalizations statewide.

Vital records data indicate 15 influenza-related deaths reported during the season to date, representing a slight increase from the prior week. COVID-19-related deaths totaled 20, also reflecting a slight increase. No RSV-related deaths were reported, indicating no change.

Influenza vaccination coverage among individuals aged 6 months and older increased to 25.80% statewide for the season, reflecting an increase from the prior week.

Influenza activity remains elevated statewide despite continued declines in weekly case counts. COVID-19 indicators were generally stable, while RSV activity remained low. Surveillance will continue on a weekly basis.

The next respiratory disease surveillance report will summarize data for the week ending Jan. 31.