A federal medical team helping the University of New Mexico Children's Hospital respond to a surge in patients with respiratory illnesses left the Albuquerque-based hospital Jan. 9, according to CBS affiliate KRQE News 13.
The 14-person medical team arrived Dec. 31. At the time, UNM Children's was operating at 118 percent capacity. Now, respiratory virus cases are receding and the hospital is operating at just under 100 percent capacity, according to Steve McLaughlin, MD, chief medical officer of UNM Hospital.
Nationwide, flu and respiratory syncytial virus also appear to be leveling off after an early and severe start to the virus season.
In early December, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra sent a letter to governors clarifying that healthcare organizations can use COVID-19 flexibilities and resources — including personnel from the National Disaster Medical System — to address capacity challenges stemming from a surge in patients with respiratory viruses such as flu or RSV.