The weekly retrospective gives a summary of trends in acute respiratory infections, including COVID-19 and influenza (influenza virus) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Trends of the week:
COVID-19: Stabilisation or even a slight increase after a fall in recent weeks.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Slight acceleration in the circulation of the RSV virus, but still at a low level.
Influenza: Very few cases of flu have been detected, with circulation at a low level.
COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2
From 23 to 29 October 2023 (week 43), the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 increased to 282 cases, compared to 259 cases the previous week (+9%).
The positivity rate rose to 23% compared with 20% the previous week. The viral concentration detected in wastewater confirms the increase in circulation of the virus [1].
These 3 indicators suggest that the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 is starting to increase again following several weeks of decline. Recent sequencing data showed a preponderance of the EG.5.1 variant (38.7%) [2].
Influenza
For the week of 23 to 29 October 2023 (week 43), the number of influenza cases reported by laboratories rose to 7, compared with 3 case the previous week.
This data largely overlaps with LNS sentinel surveillance, which indicates increased circulation of rhinoviruses and SARS-CoV-2, but little circulation of influenza viruses [2].
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
For week 43 (23-29 October 2023), the number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-positive individuals detected by laboratories rose to 18 cases, compared with 9 cases the previous week.
The circulation of the RSV virus is beginning to accelerate.
Press release by the Ministry of Health