This report is a summary of the results obtained from various molecular respiratory panels performed across PathCare laboratories during March 2024 (epidemiological weeks 10-13). 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
- RSV detection rates continued to increase during March, ranging from 11-20% overall. The increase in RSV positivity occurred predominantly in those aged <5 years, with this age group accounting for approximately 88% of RSV isolates during the reporting period. RSV percentage positivity in week 13 reached 55% in those aged <6 months, 51% in 6-12 month olds and 35% in 1-5 year olds.
- The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) recorded the start of the RSV season in week 6 (week starting 5 February) when the three week moving average of the detection rate in children <5 years from inpatient pneumonia surveillance in public hospitals remained above 15% for two consecutive weeks (NICD Weekly Respiratory Pathogens Surveillance Report Week 9).
- Influenza B detection rates remained ≤5%, while influenza A increased slightly to 7% in weeks 11-13.
SARS-CoV-2 percentage positivity ranged from from 12% in week 11 to 8% in week 13. As in February, the highest detection rates were noted in the Western Cape but decreased to 12% in week 13 as compared to 16-23% in February.
Respiratory Pathogen Statistics March 2024