The weekly retrospective gives a summary of trends in acute respiratory infections, including COVID-19, influenza (influenza virus) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Trends of the week
COVID-19: Stabilisation or even a slight fall in the number of cases and in the positivity rate of COVID-19.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Decrease in the number of RSV cases.
Influenza: Stabilisation of the number of influenza cases at a high level.
COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2
From 29 January to 4 February 2024 (week 5), the number of people testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 dropped to 140 cases, compared to 156 cases the previous week (-10%).
The positivity rate fell to 5.7% compared to 6.5% the previous week. The viral concentration detected in wastewater is decreasing. [1]
These indicators suggest that the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 has stabilised.
The latest sequencing data available show a preponderance of the JN.1 variant since week 47/2023 [2].
Influenza
For the week of 29 January to 4 February 2024 (week 5), the number of influenza cases reported by laboratories increased to 1,019 cases compared to 988 cases in the previous week, presenting an increase of 3%.
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 29 January to 4 February 2024 (week 5), the number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-positive individuals reported by laboratories dropped to 14 cases, compared with 26 the previous week, presenting an decrease of 46%. 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