The federal Ministry of Health reports the 2024-2025 Canadian influenza epidemic officially began the week ending December 21, 2024. In Week 01 which is the week ending January 4, across Canada, percent positivity is currently highest for Influenza, RSV and COVID-19.

The report was updated just this past Friday and indicates nationally 10.7 per cent of cases are testing positive for RSV, 9.2 per cent for COVID-19 and 11.3 per cent testing positive for Influenza.

Saskatchewan also updated the Community Respiratory Illness Surveillance Program report on Friday which details the reporting period from December 15 – 28, 2024 and shows test positivity for COVID-19 has decreased to 7.8 per cent while Influenza has increased to 6.4 per cent and far outstripping either of the other illnesses, is RSV which saw a 20.3 per cent increase in test positivity.

According to wastewater data the COVID-19 activity level in Saskatchewan is currently high.  The Government of Canada indicates 23 sites currently submit wastewater samples for processing, representing 58.8 per cent of the population in Saskatchewan. Of those sites, seven showed a high activity level, six showed a moderate activity level and 10 were not available, as of January 5, 2025.  In Saskatoon, Regina and North Battleford the COVID-19 activity is high, but it is moderate in Prince Albert.  As well, Influenza activity and RSV is considered high in Regina.

Saskatchewan’s CRISP report also indicates 14 respiratory virus outbreaks were reported in high-risk settings in the province (long term care facilities, personal care homes and group homes). Five were due to RSV and four related to other respiratory viruses.  There were also two COVID-19-associated deaths reported during this reporting period.   No influenza associated deaths were reported in the weeks from December 15-28, 2024.