Slight Decrease in SARS-CoV2 Positivity, But Indicators Remain High

Positivity for SARS-CoV2 in the community shows a slight decrease, though it remains at high levels. Key indicators such as hospital admissions, intubations, and deaths have increased, according to the epidemiological report by the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY) for the period of August 19-25. The report notes that this summer’s increase in virus activity began earlier than in the summer of 2023 and so far is characterized by a higher number of hospital admissions but fewer intubations and deaths compared to last year.

EODY advises vulnerable groups (elderly and individuals with underlying conditions) to strictly adhere to preventive measures against respiratory infections and to seek medical advice promptly if symptoms appear, to ensure timely treatment. The general population is also advised to limit contact with vulnerable individuals if they experience respiratory infection symptoms.

Specifically, the report highlights:

Influenza-like Illness (ILI)

The number of influenza-like illness cases per 1,000 visits remains low.

Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI)

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

SARS-CoV2 – COVID-19 Infection

The overall positivity rate of tested samples showed a slight decrease compared to the previous week.

There were 815 new hospital admissions, a slight increase from the previous week. The average weekly number of new admissions over the past four weeks was 836.

There were 16 new intubations. The average weekly number of new intubations over the past four weeks was 14. The number of patients with COVID-19 currently intubated is 38.

There were 39 deaths. The average weekly number of deaths over the past four weeks was 40.

Since late spring, the BA.2.86 variant carrying at least one of the F456L and R346T mutations has predominated in detections. However, this category of variants has not been associated with an increased risk of severe disease.

Viral load monitoring shows an increase in SARS-CoV-2 circulation in seven of the ten areas tested, while three areas recorded a decrease.

Influenza Virus

Influenza positivity, as estimated by surveillance networks in the community (Sentinel PHC network) and hospital settings (SARI surveillance network), remains very low, with only sporadic positive samples detected.

No new severe cases requiring ICU admission or new deaths from laboratory-confirmed influenza were recorded.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

No positive samples were found either in the community (Sentinel PHC network) or in hospitals (SARI surveillance network).Slight Decrease in SARS-CoV2 Positivity, But Indicators Remain High

Positivity for SARS-CoV2 in the community shows a slight decrease, though it remains at high levels. Key indicators such as hospital admissions, intubations, and deaths have increased, according to the epidemiological report by the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY) for the period of August 19-25. The report notes that this summer’s increase in virus activity began earlier than in the summer of 2023 and so far is characterized by a higher number of hospital admissions but fewer intubations and deaths compared to last year.

EODY advises vulnerable groups (elderly and individuals with underlying conditions) to strictly adhere to preventive measures against respiratory infections and to seek medical advice promptly if symptoms appear, to ensure timely treatment. The general population is also advised to limit contact with vulnerable individuals if they experience respiratory infection symptoms.

Specifically, the report highlights:

Influenza-like Illness (ILI)

The number of influenza-like illness cases per 1,000 visits remains low.

Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI)

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

SARS-CoV2 – COVID-19 Infection

The overall positivity rate of tested samples showed a slight decrease compared to the previous week.

There were 815 new hospital admissions, a slight increase from the previous week. The average weekly number of new admissions over the past four weeks was 836.

There were 16 new intubations. The average weekly number of new intubations over the past four weeks was 14. The number of patients with COVID-19 currently intubated is 38.

There were 39 deaths. The average weekly number of deaths over the past four weeks was 40.

Since late spring, the BA.2.86 variant carrying at least one of the F456L and R346T mutations has predominated in detections. However, this category of variants has not been associated with an increased risk of severe disease.

Viral load monitoring shows an increase in SARS-CoV-2 circulation in seven of the ten areas tested, while three areas recorded a decrease.

Influenza Virus

Influenza positivity, as estimated by surveillance networks in the community (Sentinel PHC network) and hospital settings (SARI surveillance network), remains very low, with only sporadic positive samples detected.

No new severe cases requiring ICU admission or new deaths from laboratory-confirmed influenza were recorded.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

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