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Delaware County epidemiologist reports small rise in perinatal hepatitis B cases and higher influenza/RSV activity this winter
Summary
County senior epidemiologist said local perinatal hepatitis B cases rose slightly in 2024 (in part from more sensitive state reporting), influenza A activity is higher than last year, and RSV cases are up; officials reported ongoing monitoring, referrals and vaccination/vaccination-follow up for exposed newborns.
Victor, senior epidemiologist for the Delaware County Health Department, gave a briefing on infectious diseases on Jan. 20 that covered perinatal hepatitis B, influenza A and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and noted increases in COVID-19, norovirus and Candida auris activity in congregate settings.
On perinatal hepatitis B, Victor said local case counts come from county records (not state counts) and that the county saw a “slight increase compared to last year.” He added that a change in state reporting guidelines made surveillance more sensitive and contributed to the increase observed. Victor explained that newborns born to hepatitis B–positive mothers receive immunoprophylaxis (vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin) and follow-up testing to prevent chronic infection.
Laura said uninsured residents needing hepatitis B care are usually referred to local partners (TestPen and CHSPAN were named in discussion) for follow-up and treatment and that the health department provides vaccines and referrals when needed.
On seasonal respiratory viruses, Victor warned that influenza A activity is higher so far in early 2025 than in the same period in 2024. “By the same time, the first week of last year compared to the first week of this year of 2025… look at 2024, you're going to see higher bars,” he said, summarizing slide data. He said Delaware County’s influenza burden was significantly higher than the state in 2019–2023 in rate comparisons and that influenza has produced hospital reports including deaths.
Victor characterized the county’s RSV activity as similar to the influenza trend but “not as bad as flu A” and noted that county long‑term care and assisted living facilities contribute to reported outbreaks and call-center notifications. He also said that COVID-19 and influenza have both increased in recent weeks but that influenza continues to rise while COVID appeared to have plateaued at the time of the meeting.
Victor and board members discussed school absenteeism and coordination with school nurses; Victor said the department uses Pennsylvania Department of Health and CDC guidance and letters to parents in coordination with school nurses.
The department activated its wellness line and created a web landing page to answer community questions after Prospect Medical Holdings announced bankruptcy; Laura said usage had been “a handful” of calls so far and the health department will keep the line and social media alerts active.
The epidemiology team said it is tracking reports from hospitals, long‑term care facilities and schools and will continue to monitor laboratory and surveillance data and to refer uninsured patients to partner clinics for treatment and follow-up.
