The increase in SARS-CoV2 positivity in the community continues. Hospitalizations registered a large increase, reaching 788 in the last week, as well as deaths from covid-19 infection. The new F456L and R346T mutations prevail, according to the epidemiological report of the EODY for the period 15-21 July. However, it is noted that these have not been associated with an increased risk of serious disease.

The EODY recommends that vulnerable population groups (elderly and people with underlying diseases) meticulously observe preventive measures against respiratory infections and seek medical advice in time for symptoms, in order to provide timely treatment.

At the same time, it is recommended to the general population, in the presence of respiratory infection symptoms, to limit contacts with people belonging to vulnerable groups.

The EODY report

Influenza-like illness – ILI (regardless of pathogen)

The number of influenza cases 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

Increased virus activity continues to be recorded, with an increasing trend in admissions for hospitalization.

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

The number of new imports was 788 and shows an increasing trend. The average weekly number of new admissions over the previous four weeks was 551, and the number of admissions in the corresponding week in 2023 was 306.

The number of new intubations was six. The average weekly number of new intubations over the previous four weeks was eight, and the number of intubations in the corresponding week in 2023 was seven.

The number of intubated patients with COVID-19 infection is 17.

The number of deaths was 35. The average weekly number of deaths in the previous four weeks was 23 and the number of deaths in the corresponding week in 2023 was 17.

An increasing trend of BA.2.86 carrying at least one of the F456L and R346T mutations is recorded, with its predominance during the last weeks. It is noted that this category of variant strains has not been associated with an increased risk of severe disease.

Viral load surveillance in municipal wastewater showed an increase in SARS-CoV-2 virus circulation in six of the ten areas tested.

Influenza virus

No positive samples for influenza were found in both the community (PHC Sentinel surveillance network) and hospitals (SARI surveillance network).

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

Respiratory syncytial virus – RSV

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