The increase in SARS-CoV-2 positivity in the community continues. Hospitalizations saw a significant rise, reaching 788 in the last week, along with a rise in deaths from COVID-19 infection. The new F456L and R346T mutations are prevalent, according to the EODY epidemiological report for the period of July 15-21.

However, these mutations have not been linked to an increased risk of severe disease. EODY recommends that vulnerable groups (elderly and people with underlying conditions) strictly adhere to preventive measures against respiratory infections and seek early medical advice if symptoms arise to ensure timely treatment. Additionally, the general population is advised to limit contact with vulnerable individuals if they exhibit respiratory infection symptoms.

EODY Report

Influenza-like illness – ILI (regardless of pathogen)

• The number of influenza cases per 1,000 visits remains low.

Severe Acute Respiratory Infection – SARI (regardless of pathogen)

• The number of SARI cases per 1,000 visits remains low.

SARS-CoV-2 Virus – COVID-19 Infection

• Increased virus activity continues, with a rising trend in hospital admissions.
• Positivity in all tested samples increased compared to the previous week.
• The number of new admissions was 788, showing an increasing trend. The average weekly number of new admissions over the previous four weeks was 551, while the number of admissions in the corresponding week in 2023 was 306.
• There were six new intubations. The average weekly number of new intubations over the previous four weeks was eight, and the number of intubations in the corresponding week in 2023 was seven.
• The number of intubated patients with COVID-19 infection is 17.
• There were 35 deaths. The average weekly number of deaths in the previous four weeks was 23, and the number of deaths in the corresponding week in 2023 was 17.

An increasing trend of the BA.2.86 variant carrying at least one of the F456L and R346T mutations has been recorded, with its predominance in recent weeks. It is noted that this category of mutant strains has not been associated with an increased risk of severe disease.

Viral load surveillance in municipal wastewater showed an increase in SARS-CoV-2 circulation in six out of ten tested areas.

Influenza Virus

• No positive samples for influenza were found in either the community (PHC Sentinel surveillance network) or hospitals (SARI surveillance network).
• No new severe cases with ICU hospitalization or new deaths from laboratory-confirmed influenza were recorded.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus – RSV

• No positive samples were found in either the community (PHC Sentinel surveillance network) or hospitals (SARI surveillance network).