SAN DIEGO — San Diego County is experiencing a significant increase in flu and norovirus cases, with local doctors reporting an alarming spike in infections. The surge has led to overcrowded hospitals, longer emergency room wait times, and fewer available beds for patients.
Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Edmund Milder from Rady Children’s Hospital confirmed the rise in cases, noting that the hospital has seen a substantial increase in norovirus, influenza, and RSV patients. In December alone, San Diego health officials recorded 31 norovirus outbreaks, the highest number in any single month over the past four years. An outbreak is considered three or more cases.
“What’s contributing to the rise? It’s hard to tell,” Dr. Milder said. “You know, we’ve had these each year. Can be a little different. If the virus mutates a little bit, less people have immunity from previous infections. Our behavior has been very different as we sort of really changed things in the pandemic, and now we’re getting back to usual routines and holiday visits.”…