Wyoming is seeing a dramatic rise in flu, COVID-19, and other viral illnesses, but many patients are testing negative for these conditions, leading health officials to believe that mutated strains may be at play, Cowboy State Daily reports.
Despite these puzzling test results, the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize the importance of preventive measures, as viral activity continues to climb across the state.
Health professionals, including Dr. Brianne Siebert of Wind River Cares Clinic, report a significant increase in respiratory illnesses. This surge aligns with CDC data showing Wyoming as one of 12 states with “very high” COVID levels detected in wastewater testing.
“We’re seeing a ton of increased flu right now along with a spike in COVID cases,” Siebert said.
She noted that flu vaccines are sometimes less effective in years when predictions about dominant strains are inaccurate, potentially contributing to the current rise in cases.
WDH spokesperson Kim Deti confirmed the growing number of influenza cases, which jumped by 2,320% between late September and late December 2024. Both influenza and COVID-19 remain prevalent statewide, with the southeast and northwest regions reporting the highest activity levels.
Some patients experiencing flu-like symptoms are testing negative for both influenza and COVID-19, leaving doctors to speculate about the presence of unknown viral strains. Despite these anomalies, Siebert urges residents to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 to reduce the risk of severe illness.
Vaccination remains a cornerstone of prevention. Dr. Alexia Harrist, state health officer and epidemiologist with WDH, advises everyone aged six months and older to get their seasonal flu shots and updated COVID-19 vaccines.
“These safe and important vaccines reduce and help prevent serious illness, hospitalizations, and deaths,” Harrist said. “They remain our most important protection strategy against these respiratory viruses.”
The spike in cases coincides with colder weather, which keeps people indoors and in closer proximity, facilitating the spread of viruses.
“You see peaks in the winter because everybody is indoors in close quarters,” Siebert explained. “We’re breathing on each other, sneezing on each other, and touching things. Kids especially are big spreaders.”
In addition to flu and COVID-19, cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and whooping cough are also being reported in Wyoming, adding to the burden on healthcare systems.
Preventative measures like frequent handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when sick remain critical in slowing the spread of respiratory illnesses.
For those who do fall ill, rest and symptom management are key. Over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen can alleviate fever and body aches, but there are no cures for these viral infections.
Siebert recommends seeking medical advice early in the illness, especially for those with underlying health conditions such as asthma or diabetes.
“There are medications that can decrease the length and severity of illness, but we can only use those within the first two days,” she said.
Health officials caution that while the surge in respiratory illnesses is challenging, vaccinations and simple hygiene practices remain effective tools for reducing risk. As viral activity continues to climb, Wyoming residents are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect themselves and others.
