An increase continues to be recorded in the positivity for SARS-CoV2 in the community and as EODY emphasizes, in the weekly epidemiological report for the period 12-18 August, the summer increase in the activity of the virus started earlier this year than in the summer of 2023 and until of the present seems to be characterized by a higher number of admissions for hospitalization, but by a lower number of intubations and deaths compared to last year.

In particular, the following are mentioned in the 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

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

771 new imports were recorded, showing a slight decrease compared to the previous week. The average weekly number of new admissions over the previous four weeks was 840.

The number of new intubations was nine. The average weekly number of new intubations during the previous four weeks was 12. The number of patients with COVID-19 infection hospitalized while intubated is 27.

The number of deaths was 29. The average weekly number of deaths in the previous four weeks was 42.

Since late spring, the BA.2.86 strain carrying at least one of the F456L and R346T mutations has dominated detections. It is noted that this category of variant strains has not been associated with an increased risk of severe disease.

Viral load monitoring in municipal wastewater indicates an earlier start to the summer upward trend with levels thus far overall lower than last year’s summer surge. The weekly data showed a decrease in the circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in eight of the ten areas tested, while an increase was recorded in two.

Vulnerable population groups (elderly and people with underlying diseases) are advised to scrupulously follow preventive measures against respiratory infections and to 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 contact with people belonging to vulnerable groups.

Influenza virus

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

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).