Annual Summary of Disease Activity

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Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division
651-201-5414
IDEPC Comment Form

Contact Info

Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division
651-201-5414
IDEPC Comment Form

Viral Respiratory Diseases
Annual Summary of Reportable Diseases

Viral respiratory diseases are infections caused by various viruses that affect the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs. Common examples include influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These diseases typically spread through airborne droplets, direct contact, or contaminated surfaces and can infection in the upper or lower respiratory tract. Severity can range from mild symptoms to serious health complications, especially in vulnerable populations. MDH often displays influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 data and statistics together as they share common symptoms and prevention measures, such as immunization. 

Published 8/15/2025

2023 Highlights

  • The 2023-2024 viral respiratory season saw a notable rise in the circulation of several respiratory viruses simultaneously, including influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2.
  • Viral respiratory diseases in Minnesota peaked in late December, with COVID-19 and RSV declining over the next months. Influenza remained high through March 2024 before declining rapidly. 

MDH monitors viral respiratory surveillance through a variety of programs including the Respiratory Virus Hospitalization Surveillance Network (RESP-NET), laboratory data, outbreak data, syndromic surveillance data, wastewater data, and mortality surveillance data. The following MDH websites highlight COVID-19, influenza, and RSV disease activity in Minnesota. 

Annual summary by disease

More about foodborne and enteric (intestinal) diseases

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Last Updated: 08/15/2025