EU test sales double in December

In December 2023, a total of 709,994 influenza tests were conducted in the European region, of which 17,313 were positive. In addition, 95% The detected cases belong to influenza A, This compares to 5% in Group B. During the same period in 2022, 551,767 influenza tests were conducted and 26,286 cases were detected, accounting for 93% of Group A and 7% of Group B.

Likewise, the report shows that global influenza testing has increased since the last report in October, approaching the 10% epidemic threshold.

The relative proportions of A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B/Victoria influenza subtypes vary by geographic region where A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 primarily cocirculate, as well as by some detections of B/Victoria.

The ratio between the two periods Influenza A Unknown subtypes accounted for approximately 60% of the total A detected. The relative frequencies of known influenza A subtypes are similar between the two periods, with the current period having almost similar frequencies of A/H3N2 (52%) and A/H1N1 (48%) viruses compared to 55%/45% in the same period . Same period in 2022.

On the other hand, compared to the last ECDC influenza report published in October 2023, the number of tests and the number of cases detected has grown significantlyThis increased from 271,256 tests in October 2023 to 709,994 tests in December, and from 1,900 cases detected in October to 17,313 cases in December.

In view of this situation, on December 15, ECDC has urged European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) member states to intensify vaccination activities and prepare for the possible need for increased vaccination. Emergency services and intensive care unit capabilities

as well as considering a range of public health measures to reduce the impact of respiratory pathogens circulating this winter.