While Guam’s respiratory virus season typically runs from August to November, recent illness across the island may be tied to a secondary surge that often occurs from January through March.

According to the Department of Public Health and Social Services Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Robert Leon Guerrero, Influenza B, Adenovirus, and Enterovirus are the primary viruses currently circulating.

While cases are expected to taper off as we settle into this month, health officials say this pattern isn’t unusual before the next respiratory season begins in August.

“All those viruses are respiratory viruses. Influenza B, in comparison to influenza A, is not as bad, usually, and other viruses you can consider as the common cold,” said Leon Guerrero.

These viruses share many common symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, and muscle or body aches. However, some symptoms are more specific, adenovirus often presents with pink eye, while enterovirus is more likely to cause rashes or mouth blisters. Vomiting and diarrhea can also occur, particularly with adenovirus and enterovirus.

At the same time, COVID-19 cases are also trending upward.

However, a newer variant, nicknamed “Cicada,” has not yet been detected on Guam.

“It is a variant of the Omicron. We haven’t gotten rid of Omicron and its babies. It was first reported back in 2024 in South Africa, and then it went dormant for a while. In recent months, we’ve started to see an increase, mainly in European countries, and now it’s beginning to spread to the mainland,” added Leon Guerrero.

He adds that the variant appears to be affecting more children, which may be linked to this, “ “A side note, they’re noticing with the Cicada, more children getting infected, and that may be because none of the children are now getting the COVID vaccine, so they have no protection at all.”

Meanwhile, pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, has also been identified on the island, with the seventh case reported in March and 30 confirmed cases across the region. Most cases have occurred among individuals who are not up to date on their vaccinations.

Leon Guerrero emphasizes that staying current on vaccinations remains one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and loved ones.

He also recommends simple precautions to reduce the spread of infection.

“Number one, get fully vaccinated. Number two, especially if you have symptoms, or like those children who are going to start school in August and they know that’s the respiratory season and there will be a lot of kids sick, if you wear a mask and wash your hands well, the risk of catching the infection decreases,” said Leon Guerrero.