Respiratory illness season is over, but new health risks are emerging in Central Texas as summer approaches. In April, flu, RSV, and COVID-19 made up less than 1% of emergency room visits in Central Texas, according to the CDC. Rates of transmission of these respiratory illnesses have been declining and are now in the very low category for all three.
COVID-19 cases could see an upswing in the next four months, as there is typically a summer bump in cases. However, this year the winter bump was missed, which could mean the summer bump will be missed too.
Mosquito-borne illnesses will start showing up in the warmer months. Ten mosquito pools have already tested positive for West Nile in Harris County, and three people in Texas have had positive tests for dengue fever. Most of the real tracking of mosquitoes begins in May. To avoid mosquitoes, drain standing water, stay indoors at dusk and dawn, wear protective clothing, and use DEET insect repellent.
With summer approaching, trauma cases such as alcohol or speed-related car crashes and sports injuries are likely to increase. Water-based injuries, including drownings and head injuries from diving into shallow water, are also expected to rise.
As temperatures increase, the emergency room may see more heart-related visits, severe sunburns, snake and insect bites, and allergy and asthma problems due to oak pollen and ozone pollution, dust from the Sahara, and wildfire smoke from Mexico or West Texas.