Influenza and RSV are on the rise

According to the weekly report of the Luxembourg Health Directorate for the period 17 to 23 November (47th week of 2025), the country has seen a marked increase in cases of acute respiratory infections, especially influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which primarily affects young children.

The number of detected cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection increased slightly from 65 to 67, an increase of 3% compared to the previous week. Although the numbers remain stable, the concentration of the virus in sewage has increased, which may indicate the beginning of a slow rise in the incidence of the disease. Analysis of the virus genomes showed that the XFG variant (54.2%) and its sub-variant XFG.3 (29.1%) predominate.

A much sharper increase was noted in influenza. The number of laboratory-confirmed cases rose from 50 to 75, i.e. by 50% in one week. Influenza A predominates in the typed samples (95 per cent), while influenza B accounts for only 5 per cent. Such figures indicate an active start of the season, which requires increased attention to vaccination and prevention.

The number of respiratory syncytial virus cases rose from 64 to 83, equivalent to a 30% increase. Particularly worrying is the fact that 75% of those infected since the beginning of October have been children under the age of 7. RSV is one of the main causative agents of bronchiolitis in young children and its increase often leads to overloading paediatric services.