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 11 to 17 December 2023 (week 50), the number of people testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 increased to 790 cases, compared to 658 cases the previous week (+20%).
The positivity rate rose to 30% compared with 28% the previous week. The viral concentration detected in wastewater has increased. [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 11 to 17 December 2023 (week 50), the number of influenza cases reported by laboratories increased to 245 cases compared to 138 cases in the previous week, presenting an increase of 77%.
This data largely overlaps with LNS sentinel surveillance, which indicates increased circulation of SARS-CoV-2, RSV, influenza viruses and rhinoviruses [2].
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
For the week of 11 to 17 December 2023 (week 50), the number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-positive individuals reported by laboratories rose to 152 cases, compared with 134 the previous week, presenting an increase of 13%.
Press release by the Ministry of Health and Social Security