This report is a summary of the results obtained from various molecular respiratory panels performed across PathCare laboratories during July 2024 (epidemiological weeks 27-31). 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 AND SARS-COV-2
- Influenza A detection rates continued to decline during July, with national rates dropping to <2% in week 31. However, influenza B detection rates increased from 7% in week 27 to 20% in week 31. Notable provincial variation in influenza B prevalence was seen, with the percentage of positive samples increasing to 33% in Gauteng in week 31, as compared to the Western Cape where the percentage positive remained ≤5% throughout July.
- • Overall RSV detection rates decreased from 11% in week 27 to 5% in week 31. Detection rates decreased in all ages groups during July including children <5 years of age, dropping to 19% in 0-6 month olds, 11% in 6-12 months olds, and 6% in 1-5 year olds.
- • SARS-CoV-2 detection rates ranged from 6% in week 27 to 11% in weeks 30 and 31.
Respiratory Pathogen Statistics: July 2024