During the week of May 22-28, the positivity of the tested samples for SARS-CoV2 and for the influenza virus decreased, according to the weekly epidemiological report of the EODY for viral infections of the respiratory system (SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses and respiratory syncytial virus – RSV).

SARS-CoV2 virus – COVID-19 infection:

The positivity in all tested samples showed a decrease compared to the previous week. The number of admissions for COVID-19 showed a slight decrease from the previous week and a 2% decrease from the average weekly number of new admissions over the previous 4 weeks. The number of new intubations showed a decrease compared to the previous week and a 59% decrease compared to the average weekly number of new intubations over the previous 4 weeks.

The number of patients with COVID-19 infection who are hospitalized they are intubated 40.

They were recorded 45 deaths with a median age of 85 years (range 71-96 years).

In recent weeks all sequenced strains belonged to the Omicron sub-variants BA.2 and BA.5, with BA.2 predominating. The most frequent sub-variant of BA.2 was XBB.1.5 (86%). A total of 66 samples have been detected positive for the new variant under surveillance, XBB.1.16.

Viral load surveillance in municipal wastewater showed an increase in SARSCoV-2 virus circulation in 4 out of 10 areas tested.

Influenza virus:

Influenza positivity in the community showed a decrease in sentinel samples.

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

In total, since the start of influenza surveillance, 68 people with influenza have been hospitalized in the ICU and 26 deaths have been recorded. During the same period, 370 samples positive for influenza viruses (sentinel samples and hospital samples) were recorded in the two influenza reference centers, of which 289 (78%) were type A strains and 81 (22%) were type B strains.

Influenza subscriptions (regardless of pathogen): Remained at stable levels in the community.

Respiratory syncytial virus – RSV: All tested samples were negative for RSV.