There is a decrease in positivity for SARS-CoV2 in the community as well as hospitalizations for covid-19, in the last week. As the EODY reports in the weekly report (August 26-September 1) on respiratory infections, the summer increase in SARS-CoV2 activity began earlier this year than in the summer of 2023 and so far appears to be characterized by a higher number of imports for hospitalization, but from a lower number of intubations and deaths than last year.

EODY recommends to vulnerable population groups (the elderly and people with underlying diseases) meticulous adherence to preventive measures against respiratory infections and 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 contact with people belonging to vulnerable groups.

Details of 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

The positivity in all tested samples showed a decrease compared to the previous week.

673 new imports were recorded, showing a decrease compared to the previous week. The average weekly number of new admissions over the previous four weeks was 809.

The number of new intubations was eight. The average weekly number of new intubations during the previous four weeks was 13. The number of patients with COVID-19 infection hospitalized while intubated is 29.

The number of deaths was 38. 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 in municipal wastewater suggests an earlier start to the summer upward trend, with levels thus far running lower overall than last year’s summer surge.

The weekly data showed a decrease in the circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in six of the ten areas tested, while stabilization was recorded in three and an increase in one.

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)