Respiratory infections in Luxembourg are on the decline, but there are worrying signs
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The Luxembourg Directorate of Health has published an update on the spread of acute respiratory infections. According to the report, from 24 February to 2 March 2025 (9th week of the year), there has been a decrease in the number of cases of influenza, RSV and COVID-19. However, wastewater monitoring hints at a possible resurgence of SARS-CoV-2 circulation.
The number of laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza fell from 1,178 to 887, down 25 per cent from a week earlier. There are still outbreaks among children, but the general trend over the last four weeks confirms that the peak of the epidemic has passed.
According to typing results, influenza A accounts for 40% of cases and influenza B for 60%. Among the A virus subtypes, A(H3) predominates (55.4%), while A(H1)pdm9 accounts for 44.6%.
The number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections decreased by 5%, with 121 cases reported during the week compared to 128 a week earlier. The infection remains most dangerous for infants and elderly people over 80 years old.
The number of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2 decreased by 33%, from 42 to 28 cases per week. However, the viral load in wastewater fluctuates and an increase in its concentration was recorded in week 9. This may signal latent circulation of the virus or an impending increase in cases in the coming weeks.
The latest sequencing of the virus revealed three dominant sub-variants of JN.1: XEC (57.7%), KP.3 (12.9%) and LP.8.1 (12.9%). These strains were actively spreading in February and their impact on further infection dynamics remains questionable.
