A rise in positivity for SARS-CoV2 continues to be recorded in the community, and as the EHRC points out in its weekly epidemiological report for August 12-18, the temporary increase in virus activity began earlier this year than, in the summer of 2023 and so far appears to be characterized by a higher number of admissions for hospitalization but a lower number of intubations and deaths than last year.

Specifically, the report states the following:

Illness – ILI (regardless of pathogen)

The number of cases of flu-like illness 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-CoV2 virus – COVID-19 infection

Positivity in all tested samples showed an increase compared to the previous week.

771 new admissions were recorded, showing a slight decrease from the previous week. The average weekly number of new admissions over the previous four weeks was 840.

The number of new intubations was nine. The average weekly number of new intubations over the previous four weeks was 12. The number of patients with COVID-19 infection hospitalized intubated was 27.

The number of deaths was 29. The average weekly number of deaths in the previous four weeks was 42.

Since late spring, strain BA.2.86 carrying at least one of the F456L and R346T mutations has dominated the detections. It should be noted that this class of mutant strains has not been associated with an increased risk of severe disease.

Monitoring of viral load in municipal wastewater indicates an earlier start to the summer upward trend with levels currently moving lower overall than last year’s summer surge. Weekly data showed a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 virus circulation in eight of the ten sites tested, while an increase was recorded in two.

It is recommended that vulnerable population groups (the elderly and people with underlying diseases) adhere strictly to preventive measures against respiratory tract infections and seek medical advice on symptoms in order to provide timely treatment. At the same time, it is recommended that the general population, in the presence of symptoms of respiratory tract infections, should limit contact with people belonging to vulnerable groups.

Flu virus

Positivity for influenza as assessed by surveillance networks in the community (Sentinel PHC surveillance network) and in the hospital setting (SARI surveillance network) remains at very low levels, with only sporadic positive samples detected.

No new severe case with ICU hospitalization was recorded, nor any new death from laboratory-confirmed influenza.

Respiratory syncytial virus – RSV

No positive specimens were detected in the community (Sentinel PHC surveillance network) and hospitals (SARI surveillance network).

.