Various pathogens - More respiratory infections in Berlin: increased sickness rates
Respiratory diseases are still on the rise among people in Berlin. The State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso) reported a significant increase in reported cases of influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) in its report on infections for the past week on Thursday. As expected for the time of year, the rising trend has continued, it said. The Berlin Corona situation report (as of December 12) also shows a steeply rising curve of confirmed virus detections.
According to the Lageso report, the number of laboratory-confirmed flu cases in the capital has more than tripled compared to the previous week, but is still at a relatively low level of just over 120. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the flu epidemic has not yet begun. In the case of RSV - a wave that is already underway according to the RKI - the Lageso reports an almost doubling in the number of cases compared to the previous week, to 65. Children up to the age of two were mainly affected.
Very high numbers of unreported cases are assumed for these diseases because not everyone affected visits a doctor's surgery and only a small number of them are tested for the pathogen in a laboratory. An estimate by the RKI shows the scale of the problem: nationwide, it estimates 7.9 million acute respiratory illnesses last week. According to experts, there is now also increased awareness of the issue.
Many staff are also absent at Charité University Hospital: "We are currently continuing to see an increase in sick leave among medical and nursing staff," a spokesperson said on request. Nevertheless, patient care is guaranteed, but in some areas appointments may be postponed or waiting times may be longer. Patients were asked for their understanding. "We are also currently urging all visitors to wear a mask in the Charité clinics to avoid the possible spread of infection," it said. In Berlin, the public transport company (BVG) also reported a significant increase in sick leave.
Infection epidemiology weekly overview Covid-19 situation report Berlin
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- The surge in respiratory infections in Berlin is due to an increase in cases of Covid-19, flu, and RSV, which are all respiratory diseases caused by viruses.
- The city's Covid-19 situation report shows a steep rise in confirmed coronavirus detections, this being another respiratory infection related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, also known as Coronavirus.
- The RKI, the federal institute for diseases control and prevention, has not yet declared a flu epidemic but reports a significant increase in RSV cases, a common respiratory infection in children under two.
- The Lageso report reveals that laboratory-confirmed flu cases in Berlin have tripled compared to the previous week, yet they are still at a relatively low level, similar to the situation of Covid-19 cases around Christmas.
- The high numbers of respiratory infections in Berlin and across Germany are likely to be underreported due to the fact that many affected individuals do not visit a doctor or get tested, according to the estimates of the RKI.
- Hospital staff at Charité, one of Berlin's major hospitals, is experiencing an increase in sick leave, likely due to a combination of flu, RSV, and possibly Covid-19, causing disruptions in patient care, postponed appointments, and longer waiting times.
- High awareness towards respiratory diseases and the importance of hygiene in mitigating their spread is now observed in an effort to protect public health during the winter season.
- Public transport services in Berlin have also reported a significant increase in staff absences due to these respiratory infections, affecting the overall efficiency and reliability of the city's public transportation system.
Source: www.stern.de
