The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WALLA WALLA—Respiratory illness has dramatically increased throughout the U.S. and Washington State, causing strain on healthcare providers, clinics, and hospitals. Influenza, RSV, and COVID infections have led to increased hospitalizations and ICU admissions, with children and the elderly most affected. Over the past several weeks, Walla Walla County has seen a similar escalation in respiratory cases.

The current influenza wave is occurring weeks earlier and with a more rapid rate of rise than usual. Throughout the state, E.R. visits for influenza-like illness are 10-15% higher than this...