The positivity for SARS-CoV2 in the community, but remaining at high levels. The hard indicators – admissions, intubations – deaths show an increase, according to the epidemiological report of the EODY for the period 19-25 August. The summer surge in virus activity is reported to have started earlier this year than in the summer of 2023 and so far appears to be characterized by higher hospital admissions but fewer intubations and deaths than last year.

THE EODY recommends to vulnerable population groups (elderly and people with underlying diseases) the scrupulous observance of preventive measures against respiratory infections and the timely seeking of medical advice on 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.

In particular, the report states:

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 a slight decrease compared to the previous week.

815 new imports were recorded, showing a slight increase compared to the previous week. The average weekly number of new admissions over the previous four weeks was 836.

The number of new intubations was 16. The average weekly number of new intubations over the previous four weeks was 14. The number of intubated patients with COVID-19 infection is 38.

The number of deaths was 39. The average weekly number of deaths in the previous four weeks was 40.

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 mutant strains has not been associated with an increased risk of severe disease.

Viral load surveillance shows an increase in the circulation of the SARS-Co V-2 virus in seven of the ten areas tested, while a decrease was recorded in three.

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).