Rise in Winter Illnesses as Schools Return in North Wales

Strategic Insights -

As schools reopened after the summer holiday in North Wales, there has been an increase in reports of people with common cold symptoms, including a sore throat, runny nose, cough, and high temperature. The common cold is the most likely cause, although the latest variant of Covid is causing a slight increase in cases. Flu is also present at low levels. One resident reported that their local Tesco had run out of paracetamol and ibuprofen, highlighting the spike in demand for over-the-counter medication.

Key Takeaways:

  • Covid-19 infections have decreased in the most recent week, but hospital admissions have increased, with 192 people in hospital and 5 in ICU as of September 8, 2024.
  • The Pango lineage was the most dominant variant in Wales, accounting for 77.2% of all sequenced cases between weeks 30 and 35.
  • Current levels of influenza are low, with 9 confirmed cases in Wales during week 36 (ending September 7, 2024).
  • Detections of Rhinovirus and Adenovirus remain elevated, and there has been an increase in syndromic surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI).
  • Norovirus cases have increased by 18.8% in the current reporting week, with 19 confirmed cases reported in Welsh residents.
  • Under-ascertainment is a recognized challenge in norovirus surveillance, with sampling, testing, and reporting varying by health board.
  • RSV activity in children under 5 years has increased in the most recent week but remains at relatively low levels.
  • Whooping cough notifications have risen sharply, with levels not seen since 2012 and 2015, but have been dropping steadily in recent weeks.

Statistics:

  • 192 people are currently in hospital with a positive Covid-19 test, up from 194 the previous week.
  • 77.2% of all sequenced cases in Wales between weeks 30 and 35 were accounted for by the Pango lineage.
  • 9 confirmed cases of influenza were reported in Wales during week 36 (ending September 7, 2024).
  • 365 Norovirus confirmed cases were reported in Welsh residents over the last 12 weeks (from June 17 to September 8, 2024).
  • 19 Norovirus confirmed cases were reported in Welsh residents in the current reporting week, an increase of 18.8% from the previous week.
  • 135.5% more Norovirus confirmed cases were reported over the last 12 weeks (from June 17 to September 8, 2024) compared to the same period in the previous year.
  • 5 people are currently in ICU with Covid-19, up from 4 the previous week.

Sources:

  • Weekly Surveillance Report published by Welsh Government
  • North Wales Live WhatsApp community group