This report is a summary of the results obtained from various molecular respiratory panels performed across PathCare laboratories during April 2024 (epidemiological weeks 14-17). The data is dependent on submission of samples by clinicians and therefore may not be representative of the general population but is intended to identify trends in the circulation of these viruses which may be of clinical relevance.
Influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2
- RSV detection rates appear to have peaked in week 15, showing a downward trend in weeks 16 and 17. However, there was notable variation in RSV detection rates depending on province and age group. In Gauteng, detection rates followed this national trend, while in the Western Cape the rates remained consistently high through week 17. Nationally RSV positivity remained high in those aged <5 years. In week 17, RSV percentage positivity remained at 53% in those aged <6 months, 47% in 6-12 month olds and 31% in 1-5 year olds.
- Influenza A detection rates increased from approximately 8% in week 14 to 25% in week 17. All influenza A isolates for which molecular typing was available were influenza A/H1. Similar to RSV, variation was noted in provincial detection rates with the highest rates in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape (ending at 27% and 39% respectively in week 17), while the percentage positivity showed a more gradual increase in the Western Cape to 9% in week 17.
- Influenza B detection rates were ≤3% throughout the reporting period.
- SARS-CoV-2 percentage positivity remained below 10% throughout April.
Respiratory Pathogen Statistics April 2024