COVID-19 Cases Up 51%, RSV Cases Up 94%

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 45 (Monday 6 November to Sunday 12 November 2023).

During the week in question, COVID-19 cases increased (after a slight decrease during the school holiday week), there was an acceleration in the circulation of RSV and flu cases remained relatively low.

COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2

The number of people testing positive for COVID-19 increased to 294 cases compared to 195 cases the previous week, which represents an increase of 51%.

The positivity rate increased to 24% compared to 23% the previous week. The viral concentration detected in wastewater is increasing, the ministry noted.

According to the Health Ministry, these indicators suggest that the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 is on the rise and that the decrease observed the previous week was probably linked to school holidays. The latest available sequencing data shows a preponderance of the EG.5.1 variant (38.7%).

Flu

During week 45, the number of cases of influenza (flu) reported by laboratories  increased to fourteen cases compared to four 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 to 37 cases compared to nineteen cases the previous week, representing an increase of 94%.