How the viral picture is changing in Luxembourg

The weekly report from the Luxembourg Directorate of Health shows that the situation of respiratory infections in the country continues to change. For the week 10-16 November 2025 (week 46), there was a decrease in COVID-19 cases, a moderate increase in influenza cases and a spike in RSV infections, especially among young children.

During the week, 65 new cases of COVID-19 were reported - 12% fewer than the week before (74 cases). However, the decrease in the number of positive tests does not imply a weakening of virus circulation in general. Wastewater monitoring indicators, which reflect the overall presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus, recorded an increase in viral concentration.

According to sequencing data, the XFG variant (54.2%) and its sub-variant XFG.3 (29.1%) predominate among the identified strains. These mutations are not yet a cause for serious concern, but their prevalence indicates a change in circulating virus lineages.

The number of laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza rose from 41 to 50 in one week. Despite the fact that this is a small increase, epidemiologists record the beginning of the seasonal rise.

Among the strains identified, 94% are influenza A, with the remaining 6% influenza B strains. This picture is typical of the beginning of the epidemic season, when influenza A begins to circulate more actively, often followed by an increase in influenza B strains later in the winter.

The most alarming dynamics is observed in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), especially dangerous for infants. During the week, the number of confirmed cases increased from 40 to 62 - an increase of 55%.

Such an increase is not uncommon during the cold season, when children return to closed groups and the virus is actively transmitted in kindergartens and schools. However, when combined with other respiratory viruses, it increases the burden on paediatric services and requires increased attention from parents.