The weekly retrospective gives a summary of trends in acute respiratory infections, including COVID-19, influenza (influenza virus) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Trends of the week
COVID-19: stabilisation in the number of cases and light decrease in the positivity rate of COVID-19.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): increase in the number of RSV cases.
Influenza: increase in the number of influenza cases.
COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2
From 22 to 28 January 2024 (week 4), the number of people testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 increased to 156 cases, compared to 153 cases the previous week (+2%).
The positivity rate fell to 6,5% compared to 7,4% the previous week. The viral concentration detected in wastewater is decreasing. [1]
These indicators suggest that the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 has stabilised.
The latest sequencing data available show a preponderance of the JN.1 variant since week 47/2023 [2].
Influenza
For the week of 22 to 28 January 2024 (week 4), the number of influenza cases reported by laboratories increased to 988 cases compared to 703 cases in the previous week, presenting an increase of 41%.
These data largely coincide with LNS sentinel surveillance, which indicates high circulation of the influenza virus [2].
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
For the week of 22 to 28 January 2024 (week 4), the number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-positive individuals reported by laboratories rose to 26 cases, compared with 15 the previous week, presenting an increase of 73%. The peak of the epidemic this season was reached in week 50, from 11 to 17 December 2023.
Press release by the Ministry of Health and Social Security