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Weekly review – Week 8 from 19 to 25 February 2024
The weekly retrospective gives a summary of trends in acute respiratory infections, including COVID-19, the flu (influenza virus) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Trends of the week
COVID-19: Decrease in the number of cases and the positivity rate of COVID-19.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Stabilisation of the number of RSV cases at a low level.
Influenza: Decrease in the number of influenza cases.
COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2
From 19 to 25 February 2024 (week 8), the number of people testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 dropped to 41 cases, compared to 56 cases the previous week (-27%).
The positivity rate fell to 2.6% compared to 3.3% the previous week. The viral concentration detected in the wastewater was similar to the previous week[1].
These indicators suggest that the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 has decreased.
The latest sequencing data available show a preponderance of the JN.1 variant (86.7%) followed by the BA.2.86 variant (11.1%). It should be noted that variant JN.1, a descendant of variant BA.2.86, has predominated since week 47 of 2023. [2]
Influenza
For the week of 19 to 25 February 2024 (week 8), the number of influenza cases reported by laboratories decreased to 312 cases from 455 cases in the previous week, a decrease of 31% compared to the previous week.
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 19 to 25 February 2024 (week 8), the number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-positive individuals reported by laboratories dropped to 11 cases, compared with 12 the previous week, presenting an decrease of 8%. 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
