The latest epidemiological report from the Greek National Public Health Organization (EODY) indicates a significant decrease in influenza positivity within the community during the week of March 17-23. Similarly, COVID-19 positivity remains at consistently low levels.

Key Findings from the EODY Report:

Influenza-like Illness (ILI) – Regardless of Pathogen

• The number of ILI cases per 1,000 medical visits showed a slight increase compared to the previous week.

Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) – Regardless of Pathogen

• The number of SARI cases per 1,000 medical visits remained at the same level as the previous week.

SARS-CoV-2 – COVID-19 Infection

• Positivity rates among tested samples remain at low, stable levels.
• 90 new hospital admissions were recorded, compared to a weekly average of 115 over the past four weeks.
• One new intubation was reported, with an average of two per week over the last four weeks.
• The number of intubated COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized stands at nine.
• Six new deaths were recorded, aligning with the weekly average of six deaths over the past four weeks.
• Since the beginning of 2024, a total of 389 fatalities have been recorded among severe cases (patients who were intubated and/or admitted to ICUs).

Influenza Virus

• Community influenza positivity rates (based on Sentinel surveillance) saw a significant decline compared to the previous week.
• Positivity rates for SARI surveillance samples also decreased.
• During March 17-23, there were:
  • Six new severe influenza cases requiring ICU hospitalization
  • Seven new deaths from laboratory-confirmed influenza
  • Additionally, two retrospective severe cases (previous weeks) were reported, requiring ICU care.

• Since the start of the influenza surveillance period, a total of:
  • 176 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases required ICU hospitalization.
  • 64 deaths have been attributed to laboratory-confirmed influenza.
• Among 3,673 samples tested (from Sentinel community surveillance, SARI surveillance, and non-network hospital samples):
  • 772 (21%) tested positive for influenza viruses.
  • Of 761 subtyped cases, 494 (65%) were Type A, and 267 (35%) were Type B.
  • Of 461 Type A subtyped strains, 241 (52%) were A(H1)pdm09, and 220 (48%) were A(H3).

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

• RSV activity remains relatively mild.
• Sentinel community positivity rates showed a slight decrease, while SARI surveillance positivity remained stable.

Upcoming Developments

A press conference is expected on Friday, March 28, where the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, will provide further details regarding the announced salary increases for Armed Forces personnel.