The positivity for SARS-CoV2 in the community continues to decrease, as do all the hard indicators – hospital admissions, intubations, deaths, according to the EODY epidemiological report on respiratory infections, for the week of September 2-8.

In particular, the EODY report states:

SARS-CoV2 virus – COVID-19 infection

The increased activity of the virus observed during the summer period seems to be starting to subside gradually. The positivity in all tested samples showed a decrease compared to the previous week.

594 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 769. The number of new intubations was eight. The average weekly number of new intubations over the previous four weeks was 12. The number of patients with COVID-19 infection hospitalized intubated is 24. The number of deaths was 27. The average weekly number of deaths over the previous four weeks was 41.

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 an increase in the circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in four of the ten areas tested, while a stabilization was recorded in four and a decrease 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

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 detection of only sporadic positive samples.

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

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.

Respiratory syncytial virus – RSV

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