The Reemergence of Seasonal Respiratory Viruses in Houston, Texas, after Relaxing COVID-19 Restrictions

• DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00430-21
• Publication Date: 2021-09-08T14:40:26Z
• Authors: Parsa Hodjat; Paul A. Christensen; Sishir Subedi; David W. Bernard; Randall J. Olsen; S. Wesley Long
• Keywords: Rhinovirus; Coronavirus; Pandemic; Respiratory infection

Measures intended to limit the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus at start disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in a rapid decrease other pathogens. Herein, we describe trends pathogens major metropolitan health care system central microbiology reference laboratory before and during COVID-19 pandemic, with attention when mitigation measures were implemented relaxed. During initial lockdown period, was primary pathogen detected by multiplex panels. As containment relaxed, first non-COVID viruses return prepandemic levels members rhinovirus/enterovirus family. After complete removal precautions state level, including an end mask mandates, observed robust seasonal coronaviruses, parainfluenza virus, syncytial virus. Inasmuch as has dominated landscape infections since early 2020, it is important for clinicians recognize that may be significant are removed. IMPORTANCE We after measures. It public physicians that, months being driver infection, more typical illnesses have returned, this out normal season some these Thus, must now consider both patient presents symptomatic illness.