Influenza A and B detection rates remained below 2% during August, with the influenza season officially having ended in July (NICD Weekly Respiratory Pathogens Surveillance Report, week 34 of 2023). Surveillance is ongoing to determine whether a second influenza peak will occur, as has been seen in previous years.
RSV percentage positivity fell below 3% overall during weeks 33 – 35. As is expected, the highest detection rates were noted in the 0 – 5 year age group, however, the percentage positivity was below 10% in all age groups in weeks 34 and 35.
SARS-CoV-2 detection rates fluctuated during August but ended at 10.9% in week 35 (week ending 3 September). Although there have been additional detections of BA.2.86 in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and North West provinces, there have been no reports of an increase in hospitalizations to date.
Respiratory Pathogen Statistics: August 2023