Acute Respiratory Infections in Italy: A Decline in Incidence
The latest RespiVirNet surveillance report, published by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), indicates a decrease in the total incidence of acute respiratory infections in Italy. This decline is attributed to a reduction in reports from family doctors during the holiday season, as well as the closure of schools. According to the data, the incidence of acute respiratory infections decreased from 17.1 cases per 1,000 patients in the previous week to 14.5 cases per 1,000 patients in the week from December 22 to 28.
The report estimates approximately 820,000 new cases, bringing the total since the start of surveillance to around 6.7 million. The highest incidence is observed in the 0-4 age group, with approximately 39 cases per 1,000 patients. Experts from the Institute’s Infectious Diseases department note that the decline is more evident in community data than in hospital flow, suggesting that the incidence could rise again or remain high in the coming weeks.
Regional Variations and Influenza Positivity Rates
The intensity of acute respiratory infections varies across regions, with very high intensity in Sicily, high intensity in Campania, and medium intensity in Piedmont, Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Marche, Lazio, Abruzzo, Umbria, and Puglia. In contrast, the intensity is low in all other regions. Additionally, the report highlights a high positivity rate for influenza in people with respiratory infections, particularly in hospital settings, with 22.2% and 50.3% positivity rates in community and hospital settings, respectively.
Surveillance of severe and complicated forms of influenza reveals an increase in the number of cases in week 51 (December 16-22) compared to the same week in the previous season. The most prevalent subtype among severe forms is A(H3N2), and the majority of cases of severe flu with complications concern unvaccinated individuals. The characterization of influenza viruses shows a higher percentage of A(H3N2) viruses compared to A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses in both community and hospital settings.
Conclusion and Reference
In conclusion, the decline in acute respiratory infections in Italy is a positive trend, but experts caution that the incidence could rise again or remain high in the coming weeks. The high positivity rate for influenza and the prevalence of severe forms of the disease emphasize the importance of vaccination and continued surveillance. For more information, please refer to the original report and article: Here