RS Virus (RSV)

In Week 50, 80 individuals were diagnosed with RSV, a significant increase from the previous week. Cases were recorded across all age groups, with 30 being under one year old, 16 aged 1–2 years, and 14 aged 65 years and older. Thirty individuals were in hospital with RSV, including 11 children under one year old.

The RSV epidemic this winter appears larger than last winter (2023–2024), based on data from the same period. For example, 48 individuals were diagnosed in Week 50 last winter, which was the highest weekly count that season, compared to 80 this year. It is possible that the epidemic started earlier this year, though it is more likely that the peak has not yet been reached. The number of respiratory samples sent for viral testing was similar in Week 50 of both winters, so the increase in cases cannot be attributed to more testing. Fifteen individuals were in hospital with RSV in Week 50 last winter, compared to 30 this year. The highest weekly number of hospitalized RSV cases last winter was 21, recorded in Week 52.

Influenza and COVID-19

The number of influenza diagnoses remained similar to the previous week, with 22 cases reported in Week 50. Of these, 10 were influenza type A(pdm09), nine were type A(H3), and three were influenza type B. Cases were identified across all age groups, including five individuals aged 65 and older and two under the age of five. Three individuals aged 65 and older were admitted to hospital wards with influenza. Additionally, 13 individuals visited emergency departments with influenza symptoms.

Nine individuals tested positive for COVID-19 in Week 50, including five aged 65 and older. Three individuals, all aged 65 and older, were in hospital with COVID-19 during the week.

Other Respiratory Infections

Among respiratory viruses other than COVID-19, influenza, or RSV, diagnoses of coronaviruses other than SARS-CoV-2 continued to rise in Week 50. However, rhinovirus (common cold) remained the most commonly identified virus. The number of respiratory samples sent for viral testing continues to grow, with over 300 samples analyzed in Week 50. The positivity rate also increased, reaching 55% this week.

The weekly number of clinical Mycoplasma diagnoses (physician-diagnosed cases independent of laboratory results) has fluctuated. In Week 50, eight cases were reported. Mycoplasma diagnoses increased earlier this year, peaking at 16 cases in Week 10 (early March). Diagnoses of pertussis (whooping cough) have declined since the outbreak earlier this year, with no cases reported in the past two weeks.

Situation in Europe

• A sharp increase in RSV and influenza diagnoses has been observed in EU/EEA countries.

• RSV cases have increased over the past six weeks, following a pattern similar to last winter. However, this year’s epidemic began about two weeks later. Since Week 40, over 80% of hospitalized RSV patients have been children under five years old, while 11% were aged 65 and older.

• Influenza diagnoses have been increasing over the past four weeks, indicating the start of the annual epidemic. The timing aligns with last winter’s epidemic, following a similar pattern so far. Individuals aged 65 and older remain at the highest risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to influenza.

• Overall, COVID-19 incidence continues to decline after a rise in diagnoses over the summer. Individuals aged 65 and older remain at the greatest risk of severe illness.

More information is available on the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) website.

Prevention

Vaccination remains the most effective protection against severe illness caused by respiratory infections. Autumn vaccination campaigns for COVID-19 and influenza are ongoing, and individuals aged 60 years and older, as well as those in high-risk groups, are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated, as they are at the greatest risk of severe illness.

Participation in influenza vaccination among high-risk groups has been lower than expected this season (44% of individuals aged 60 and older have been vaccinated), and improving this rate is critical.

The public is also reminded to follow general infection prevention measures. Further information is available on the Directorate of Health website.

The Chief Epidemiologist