COVID-19 Cases Drop Slightly, Flu Cases Remain Few in Luxembourg

Luxembourg's Ministry of Health has published a review of the week of 16 to 22 October 2023 in relation to acute respiratory infections, namely COVID-19 and influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2

For the week in question, all signs were pointing to a decrease in incidence of COVID-19 cases.

 The number of people testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 decreased to 220 cases compared to 350 cases the previous week, a decrease of 37%. The positivity rate decreases to 21% compared to 23% the previous week. The viral concentration detected in wastewater confirmed the reduction in virus circulation.

These three indicators suggested that a peak in the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 has been reached recently.

Recent sequencing data demonstrated a preponderance of the EG.5.1 variant (38.7%).

Flu

For the week of 16 to 22 October 2023, the number of cases of influenza (flu) reported by laboratories increased to five cases compared to one case the previous week. Flu circulation is currently at a low level.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

For the week in question, the CHL laboratory detected an increase to nine cases compared to seven cases the previous week, an increase of 29% of positivity rate for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This data suggests the circulation of the RSV virus has just started, but it still remains at a low level.

RSV is a common, contagious virus that causes infections of the respiratory tract. Infection rates are typically higher during the cold winter months, and can cause bronchiolitis in infants, common colds in adults and pneumonia or more serious respiratory illnesses in the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.

This data significantly coincided with the LNS sentinel surveillance, revealing an uptick in rhinovirus and SARS-CoV-2 activity, while influenza virus activity remained minimal.