Credit: Reported COVID-19 cases in Luxembourg in week 44; Credit: MSAN

Luxembourg's Ministry of Health has issued its latest weekly retrospective report providing a summary of the evolution of acute respiratory infections, including COVID-19, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), during week 44 (Monday 30 October to Sunday 5 November 2023).

During the week in question, COVID-19 cases stabilised (slight decrease after last week’s increase), there was a slight acceleration in the circulation of RSV and flu cases remained low.

COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2

The number of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased to 195 cases compared to 284 cases the previous week, representing a decrease of 31%.

The positivity rate remained stable at 23% compared to the previous week. The viral concentration detected in wastewater confirmed the decrease in virus circulation.

According to the Health Ministry, these indicators suggest that the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 has decreased, which is probably linked to departures during school holidays. The latest available sequencing data demonstrated a preponderance of the EG.5.1 variant (38.7%).

Flu

During week 44, the number of cases of influenza (flu) reported by laboratories decreased to four cases compared to eight cases the previous week.

These data largely overlap with LNS (national health laboratory) sentinel surveillance which indicated increased circulation, especially of rhinovirus and SARS-CoV-2, but a low level of the influenza virus.

RSV

The number of people testing positive for RSV, as detected by laboratories, increased slightly to nineteen cases from eighteen last week.