BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Good news as local rates of respiratory illnesses have returned to seasonal levels.

Whatcom County Health and Community Services warned of a “triple-demic” as rates of flu, COVID-19 and RSV surged in November and December.

The three diseases caused the highest number of emergency department visits ever in Whatcom County, along with near-record hospitalizations for respiratory illness.

The department recommended a return to masking in crowded spaces at that time, but is no longer urging that as illness rates stabilize.

People are still urged to wear a mask if vulnerable to respiratory illness or if they are sick.

And the department says everyone should stay up to date on vaccinations for flu and COVID-19 to help keep transmission rates lower.