Connecticut
Flu cases spiking in Connecticut
CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — It is peak cold season and here in Connecticut flu cases continue to climb, but it’s not the only viral infection spreading around.
“The scratchy throat and the ahem going on,” Zaida Molina, who recently had the flu, said.
Flu map: These states are now at CDC’s highest activity level
It’s the first warning sign for many colds, but what came next for Molina was a strong indicator it was more serious.
“The coughing and the achiness and you just feel very lethargic. You don’t really want to get up from the couch,” Molina said.
A positive influenza test at her doctor’s office last month confirmed it and the Meriden resident is far from alone.
The CDC currently categorizes flu activity in the state as very high.
Last week, the Connecticut Department of Public Health recorded over 3,700 cases, the highest amount this season. It’s resulted in nearly 1,400 hospitalizations and 31 deaths.
Molina knows firsthand just how quickly the flu can spread.
“Very, very contagious, I mean it started off with my husband, then a couple days later I had it, then a couple days later my daughter had it, then a couple days later my mother-in-law had it,” Molina said.
“We are a relatively small practice, but we are seeing a couple flu cases a day which is not what we were seeing in the fall. The last couple weeks it’s really picked up,” Dr. Frank Mongillo said.
Internal Medicine Doctor Frank Mongillo says Covid, RSV and Norovirus cases are also rising.
He said it’s not too late to get vaccinated, especially for people at higher risk for respiratory failure like those with asthma, lung disease or COPD.
“We think even if it doesn’t prevent the actual virus, it can prevent the complications. You want to avoid crowds. You want to avoid a lot of contact this time of year, especially if you have underlying health conditions,” Mongillo said.
“Plenty of fluids, rest, if you think you have it, stay home,” Molina said.
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Amtrak says it will not close any railroad bridges along Connecticut’s shoreline during the 2026 World Cup, backing away from a potential proposal that had sparked concerns from boaters, harbor officials, and marine businesses.
In an email Tuesday to NBC Connecticut, Amtrak spokesperson Jason Abrams said: “At this time, in coordination with the Coast Guard, we will not be closing any bridges on the Connecticut Coast Line during the tournament.”
The statement is a shift from a plan previously circulating among members of the boating community. That proposal outlined possible hourslong closures of several movable railroad bridges on the Connecticut shoreline on dates tied to World Cup matches in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The affected bridges would have included the spans over the Connecticut River, Niantic River, Shaw’s Cove, Thames River and Mystic River.
The proposal had raised alarms among charter boat operators, harbor masters and marine industry leaders, who warned the closures could disrupt navigation during the height of the summer season, create safety risks on crowded waterways and hurt businesses that depend on fishing and recreational boating.
Amtrak also said is “exploring all options to move travelers safely and reliably during the World Cup with minimal interruption and inconvenience to local communities, visitors, and other stakeholders and travelers.”
Fans are expected to use rail service along the Northeast Corridor to travel to matches in the Northeast, including in the Boston area, where passengers would use connecting service to reach the stadium in Foxborough.
Earlier Tuesday, the U.S. Coast Guard told NBC Connecticut it was reviewing Amtrak’s request related to the bridge proposal.
“The Coast Guard has received Amtrak’s request for the bridge closures and are reviewing it to reach a final decision. When that decision is made, the Coast Guard will work with Amtrak. We are also aware of the mariners and boating communities concerns regarding this,” the Coast Guard had said.
It was not immediately clear whether Amtrak had formally withdrawn that request or whether the rail operator’s latest statement means the bridge closures are no longer under consideration.
NBC Connecticut reached out to the Coast Guard to request additional information.
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