Respiratory illnesses continues to circulate in North Dakota, remaining largely at a moderate level at the end of February, according to data released by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services.

The most current respiratory disease surveillance data for North Dakota are for the week ending Saturday, Feb. 28. This 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 Feb. 28, North Dakota reported 357 influenza cases, reflecting an increase from the prior week. COVID-19 cases decreased to 209 statewide. RSV cases increased slightly to 116 during the reporting week.

Influenza test positivity was 16.1%, representing a slight decrease from the prior week. COVID-19 test positivity declined to 6.19%, while RSV test positivity also decreased to 6.41%.

Outpatient surveillance data collected through the Influenza-Like Illness Network (ILINet) indicated a statewide influenza-like illness percentage of 1.49%, a slight decrease 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 remained low statewide.

During the reporting week, 18 influenza-related hospitalizations were reported, reflecting a decrease from the prior week. COVID-19 hospitalizations totaled 20, also a decrease. RSV hospitalizations increased slightly to 22.

Since the beginning of the 2025-26 respiratory season on Aug. 1, North Dakota has reported 9,905 influenza cases, 4,712 COVID-19 cases and 674 RSV cases.

Season-to-date hospitalization totals include 841 influenza-related hospitalizations, 661 COVID-19-related hospitalizations and 102 RSV-related hospitalizations statewide.

Vital records data indicate 23 influenza-related deaths and 31 COVID-19-related deaths reported during the season to date. One RSV-related death has been reported.

State health officials also reported that 26.55% of North Dakota residents ages 6 months and older have received an influenza vaccination this season, an increase from the prior week.