Increase in influenza and RSV activity in the EU/EEA

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recently published an epidemiological update for winter 2024/2025. During December, almost all countries reporting data to ECDC were observing sharp increases in indicators of both influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity, with a visible impact in secondary care.¹

ECDC recommended that Member States should be prepared for continued increases in influenza and RSV activity, and also prepare for the possible need to increase emergency department and ICU capacity for both adult and paediatric hospitals. Simultaneously hospitals should ensure that adequate resources are available. Member States should also consider infection prevention and control practices to reduce transmission in healthcare settings.¹

Earlier in December, ECDC reported increase in respiratory infections due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae in the EU/EEA.² However, as M. pneumoniae is not notifiable in most EU/EEA countries, there is limited available information regarding diagnosed cases. Additionally also Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an increase in infections caused by M. pneumoniae in the United States since late spring 2024 and infections have remained high.³

Performing rapid testing can facilitate timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Aidian offers a wide range of easy-to-use rapid tests for the detection of influenza, RSV, M. pneumoniae, adenovirus, Strep A, and other respiratory infections. Download our Respiratory tract infections -brochure for the Nordics to learn more about the products available and contact us for more details.

References

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Acute respiratory infections in the EU/EEA: epidemiological update and current public health recommendations – winter 2024/2025. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/acute-respiratory-infections-eueea-epidemiological-update-and-current-public-health-0. Accessed 9.1.2025.
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Communicable disease threats report. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/Communicable-disease-threats-report-week-49-2024.pdf. Accessed 9.1.2025.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infections Have Been Increasing. https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/mycoplasma-pneumoniae-infections-have-been-increasing.html. Accessed 9.1.2025.