Infectious Diseases

Infectious Disease Trend Report - April 1, 2026

 

After a somewhat quiet February, we saw another jump in flu cases in March (n=272). The majority of these cases were seen in residents aged 5-19 years (67.3%). Among these cases aged 5-19 years, 52% were Taunton residents, 21% were Dighton residents, and 10% were Attleboro residents. This March saw almost twice as many cases as that of 2025, with 145 total confirmed and probable cases. This March spike is not consistent with statewide data, which saw a very slight increase in influenza-like illness hospital visits, but did not see incidence comparable to January.

 

COVID-19 incidence appears to be trending downward regionally, as March received the fewest diagnoses of the past 4 months (n=55), a 62% decrease in incidence as compared to January of 2026. This is consistent with statewide data, which indicates that the incidence of emergency department visits due to COVID-19 in March were classified as very low, representing just 0.4% of visits. This year is following a similar trend as 2025, which saw a comparable decrease, from 249 cases in January to 69 cases in March (72% decrease).

 

Calicivirus/Norovirus is the leading foodborne diagnosis of 2026 thus far (42%). This diagnosis was also the leader in the first three months of 2025, though we are seeing a much lower incidence rate this year. From January - March of 2025, there were 26 diagnoses, representing 74% of all foodborne diagnoses during that time period.

The majority of foodborne diagnoses in 2026 have occurred in North Attleborough residents (n=8), though it must be acknowledged that the exposure may not have necessarily occurred within the municipality. Berkley is the only municipality with zero residents diagnosed with a foodborne illness in 2026.

 

Hepatitis B continues to be the most commonly occurring communicable disease of 2026 (n=51). The majority of all cases have been seen in male individuals aged 35-64 years (43%). This incidence is a 50% decrease from 2025, which saw 102 cases from January 1-March 31. However, Hep B being the highest-incidence communicable disease this winter still indicates a need for increased public health education efforts regarding risk factors and preventative efforts for Hepatitis B contraction.

 

NBC has seen a total of 63 probable and suspect cases of Lyme Disease in the first quarter of 2026. Of the 63 cases, 46% were seen in individuals aged 65-79 years, and another 20.6% were seen in those aged 50-64 years. Community members between the ages of 50-79 years represent two-thirds of all Lyme cases thus far. As the temperature starts to rise, we can expect to see an increase in prevalence of all tickborne illnesses.