Flu cases declared week 7;
Credit: Luxembourg's Ministry of Health and Social Security
Luxembourg's Ministry of Health and Social Security has published a weekly retrospective that provides a summary of the evolution of acute respiratory infections, including COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for week 7, from Monday 12 to Sunday 18 February 2024.
The overall trends saw a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases as well as in the COVID-19 positivity rate and decreasing numbers of RSV and flu cases.
COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2
For week 7, the number of people positive for SARS-CoV-2 decreased to 56 cases compared to 109 cases the previous week, a decrease of 49%.
The positivity rate decreased to 3.3% compared to 4.8% the previous week. The viral concentration detected in wastewater decreased as well.
These indicators suggest that the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 has declined.
The latest available sequencing data show a preponderance of the JN.1 variant followed by the BA.2.86 variant.
Influenza
For week 7, the number of influenza (flu) cases reported by laboratories decreased to 455 cases compared to 861 cases the previous week, a decrease of 47%.
These data largely overlap with LNS sentinel surveillance which indicates high circulation of the influenza virus.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
For week 7, the number of people positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) declared by laboratories decreased to nine cases compared to eighteen cases the previous week, a decrease of 50%. The epidemic this season reached its peak in week 50, from 11 to 17 December 2023.
