Asheville, North Carolina, October 13, 2025
News Summary
Recent reports from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services indicate a notable decline in respiratory illness cases across Western North Carolina, including Asheville. Emergency room visits attributed to respiratory symptoms have decreased from 6.4% to 5.4%, and hospital admissions for related illnesses have dropped significantly. Wastewater monitoring reveals a moderate level of COVID-19 activity, but trends show a decline. This proactive monitoring effort is vital for public health responses in the region.
Asheville, North Carolina – Respiratory Illness Cases Decline
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has reported a significant downward trend in rates of respiratory illness across Western North Carolina. As of October 8, 5.4 percent of emergency room visits statewide were attributed to symptoms of respiratory illness, which marks a decrease from 6.4 percent the previous week.
Additionally, hospital admissions related to respiratory viruses, including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19, have also seen a decline, dropping from 1,101 to 847 admissions. In Region 6, which incorporates Buncombe and surrounding counties, emergency room visits for COVID-like illnesses have decreased by 1.10 percent compared to the previous week. Visits related to influenza-like symptoms have slightly decreased by 0.13 percent.
In a proactive measure, NCDHHS and its partners are actively monitoring community-level virus activity by testing wastewater for viral particles associated with COVID-19, Flu A/B, and RSV. This wastewater testing acts as an early warning system, allowing local health officials to detect trends before individuals seek medical care.
The October Wastewater Monitoring Network newsletter indicated that COVID-19 viral activity in wastewater is currently moderate but on a decline following a peak observed in September. The levels of Flu A and RSV have remained low since last winter, while Flu B has shown only a few detections since its spring peak. Moreover, there has been no measles activity detected since monitoring began in June.
The Buncombe County Health Director highlighted the significance of wastewater surveillance in tracking respiratory illnesses and the impact it has on informing health messages within the community. This wastewater monitoring initiative represents a collaborative effort involving NCDHHS, researchers from the University of North Carolina, wastewater utilities, and county health departments throughout the state.
Key Statistics on Respiratory Illnesses in Western North Carolina
- Emergency room visits for respiratory illness: 5.4% statewide (down from 6.4%)
- Hospital admissions for respiratory viruses: 847 (down from 1,101)
- COVID-like illness ER visits in Region 6: Decreased by 1.10%
- Influenza-like symptoms ER visits: Decreased by 0.13%
- COVID-19 activity in wastewater: Moderate and decreasing
- Flu A and RSV levels: Low since last winter
- Flu B detections: Few since spring peak
- Measles activity: None detected since June
Background on Wastewater Monitoring
The wastewater testing initiative aims to provide critical insights into community-level respiratory virus activity. By performing tests on wastewater, public health officials can identify trends and potentially take preventive measures to avert outbreaks before they escalate. This surveillance method has become increasingly important in managing respiratory illnesses, particularly during peak seasons for viruses such as influenza and COVID-19.
Collaboration and Future Monitoring
The collaborative efforts involving multiple health agencies and academic institutions are crucial in ensuring the health and safety of the residents in Western North Carolina. Continuous monitoring is essential for timely public health responses, especially as seasonal spikes in respiratory illnesses occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current percentage of emergency room visits for respiratory illness in North Carolina?
As of October 8, 5.4 percent of emergency room visits statewide were for symptoms of respiratory illness, down from 6.4 percent the previous week.
How many hospital admissions related to respiratory viruses were reported recently?
Hospital admissions related to respiratory viruses, including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19, decreased from 1,101 to 847.
What has been observed in wastewater monitoring regarding COVID-19?
According to the October Wastewater Monitoring Network newsletter, COVID-19 viral activity in wastewater is currently moderate but decreasing following a peak in September.
What viral activities have been detected in the wastewater testing?
Levels of Flu A and RSV have remained low since last winter, while Flu B has shown only a few detections since its spring peak. There has been no measles activity detected since monitoring began in June.
How does wastewater testing help public health officials?
Wastewater testing serves as an early warning system for local health officials, detecting trends before individuals seek medical care.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current ER Visit Percentage | 5.4% for respiratory illness |
| Recent Hospital Admissions | 847 related to respiratory viruses |
| COVID-19 Activity in Wastewater | Moderate and decreasing |
| Flu A and RSV Levels | Low since last winter |
| Measles Activity | None detected since June |
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Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: Fewer ER Visits for Respiratory Illnesses
- WLOS: Buncombe County Health – Rising Flu and COVID-19 Cases
- Gastonia Gazette: RSV, COVID-19, and Flu Risk Levels in NC
- News Observer: North Carolina – Respiratory Illness Updates
- WLOS: 1918 Influenza Epidemic vs. COVID-19 Pandemic
- Wikipedia: Wastewater-based Epidemiology
- Google Search: Respiratory Illness Updates
- Google Scholar: Wastewater Monitoring for Public Health
- Google News: North Carolina Respiratory Illness
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
