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: increase in the number of cases of COVID-19.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): slight increase in the number of RSV cases.
Influenza: sharp rise in the number of cases.
COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2
From 4 to 10 December 2023 (week 49), the number of people testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 increased to 658 cases, compared to 460 cases the previous week (+43%).
The positivity rate rose to 28% compared with 26% the previous week. The viral concentration detected in wastewater fall slightly [1].
The latest sequencing data available show a preponderance of the BA.2.86 variant (44%) followed by the XBB.1.9 variant (30%) [2].
Influenza
For the week of 4 to 10 December 2023 (week 49), the number of influenza cases reported by laboratories increased to 134 cases compared to 51 cases in the previous week, an increase of 163% compared to the previous week.
These data largely coincide with LNS sentinel surveillance, which indicates increased circulation of SARS-CoV-2, rhinovirus and RSV. Sentinel surveillance also confirms an increase in the circulation of the influenza virus [2].
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
For the week of 4 to 10 December 2023 (week 49), the number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-positive individuals detected by the CHL laboratory rose to 134 cases, compared with 116 the previous week, presenting an increase of 16%.
Vaccination: a preventive measure against respiratory infections
Vaccination is an effective way of protecting against respiratory infections and the serious complications that can arise from them. People aged 65 and over, and those at risk, are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19. It is advisable to consult your GP to discuss vaccination.
For more information on how to prevent respiratory infections, visit sante.lu.
Communiqué par le ministère de la Santé et de la Sécurité sociale