COVID-19 cases decreased while influenza and RSV cases showed an increase in North Dakota, according to data released by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services.

The current respiratory disease surveillance data for North Dakota is for the week ending Saturday, March 14.

The report provides a weekly summary of respiratory disease activity in North Dakota, including influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Data are used for disease surveillance and monitoring of trends. All data are preliminary and subject to revision.

During the week ending March 14, North Dakota reported 581 influenza cases, reflecting a slight increase from the prior week. COVID-19 cases decreased to 108 statewide. RSV cases increased to 189 from the prior week.

Since the beginning of the 2025-26 respiratory season on Aug. 1, North Dakota has reported 11,093 influenza cases, 4,975 COVID-19 cases and 1,030 RSV cases.

Vital records data indicate 23 influenza-related deaths, showing no change from the prior week, and 38 COVID-19-related deaths, a slight increase from the prior week. One RSV-related death has been reported.

During the reporting week, 22 influenza-related hospitalizations were reported, reflecting a decrease from the prior week. COVID-19 hospitalizations totaled 17, also a decrease. RSV hospitalizations increased to 24.

Season-to-date hospitalization totals include 1,005 influenza-related hospitalizations, 684 COVID-19-related hospitalizations and 156 RSV-related hospitalizations statewide.

Outpatient surveillance data collected through the Influenza-Like Illness Network (ILINet) indicated a statewide influenza-like illness percentage of 2.45%, an increase from the prior week.

Influenza test positivity was 20.6%, representing a decrease from the prior week. COVID-19 test positivity increased to 5.14%, while RSV test positivity increased to 13.36%.

State health officials also reported 26.67% of North Dakota residents ages 6 months and older have received an influenza vaccination this season, an increase from the prior week.

Based on current surveillance indicators, influenza and COVID-19 activity in North Dakota was classified as moderate, with no change from the prior week. RSV activity was categorized as moderate, having increased statewide from the prior week.