Influenza and RSV cases showed an increase in North Dakota while COVID-19 cases decreased at the beginning of March, 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 7.

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 7, North Dakota reported 576 influenza cases, reflecting an increase from the prior week. COVID-19 cases decreased to 156 statewide. RSV cases increased to 162 during the reporting week.

Influenza test positivity was 26.27%, representing an increase from the prior week. COVID-19 test positivity declined to 3.86%, while RSV test positivity increased to 7.96%.

Outpatient surveillance data collected through the Influenza-Like Illness Network (ILINet) indicated a statewide influenza-like illness percentage of 2.04%, an increase from the prior week.

Based on current surveillance indicators, influenza activity in North Dakota was classified as moderate during the reporting week. COVID-19 activity was also categorized as moderate, while RSV activity was categorized as moderate while having increased statewide.

During the reporting week, 27 influenza-related hospitalizations were reported, reflecting an increase from the prior week. COVID-19 hospitalizations totaled 32, also an increase. RSV hospitalizations increased slightly to 14.

Since the beginning of the 2025-26 respiratory season on Aug. 1, North Dakota has reported 10,511 influenza cases, 4,869 COVID-19 cases and 837 RSV cases.

Season-to-date hospitalization totals include 872 influenza-related hospitalizations, 638 COVID-19-related hospitalizations and 130 RSV-related hospitalizations statewide.

Vital records data indicate 23 influenza-related deaths and 33 COVID-19-related deaths reported during the season to date. One RSV-related death has been reported.

State health officials also reported that 26.63% of North Dakota residents ages 6 months and older have received an influenza vaccination this season, an increase from the prior week.