COVID-19 Cases Rise by 23%, Flu Cases Up 79%, RSV Cases Up 82% Over 1 Week

According to Luxembourg's Ministry of Health and Social Security, acute respiratory infections were on the rise during week 47, from Monday 20 to Sunday 26 November 2023.

The ministry publishes a weekly retrospective report which provides a summary of the evolution of acute respiratory infections, including COVID-19, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2

The number of people testing positive for COVID-19 rose from 259 to 319 over one week, representing an increase of 23%.

The positivity rate remained more or less unchanged at 22%, although the viral concentration detected in wastewater increased slightly.

The latest available sequencing data showed a preponderance of the EG.5.1 variant (31%) and the proportion of the BA.2.86 variant has increased to 6%.

Flu

The number of cases of influenza (flu) reported by laboratories rose from 24 to 43 over one week, i.e. an increase of 79%.

These data largely overlap with LNS sentinel surveillance which indicated increased circulation of rhinoviruses, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV, but still little influenza virus.

RSV

The number of people positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as reported by laboratories, rose from 55 to 100 over one week, i.e. an increase of 82%.