Influenza in Italy, trend and weekly cases by region and age
In Italy, in the most recent week of monitoring of the winter season, the surveillance network for acute respiratory infections (ARI) indicates an overall low level of transmission, with a progressive slowdown compared to previous weeks. The concentration remains higher in the smaller ones, while the geographical distribution shows differences between territories without evidence of widespread peaks.
Summary of the week: total cases
In the reference week, they are estimated approximately 406,395 cases of ARI in the population, with an incidence of 7.50 cases per 1,000 patients.
This value places the weekly activity on a level Basswith signals of flexion compared to the previous week.
Distribution by age group
The circulation is markedly age-dependent: the 0-4 year age group records the higher incidenceequal to approximately 30.1 cases per 1,000 patients.
Values in other bands:
- 5-14 years: 9.32 cases per 1,000 patients
- 15-24 years: 6.63 per 1,000
- 25-44 years: 7.43 per 1,000
- 45-64 years: 5.52 per 1,000
- 65 years and over: 4.00 per 1,000
The higher incidence in children, combined with the co-circulation of other respiratory viruses (in particular Rhinovirus, RSV and Metapneumovirus), contributes to the levels observed in ARI.
Influenza: cases by region
The activity is heterogeneous across the territory. Among the highest values of weekly incidence are noted Basilicata (~11.37 per 1,000), Friuli-Venezia Giulia (~10.76), Abruzzo (~9.86) e Puglia (~9.18). Lower values are observed, for example, in Veneto (~5.54) e Liguria (~6.00). In several territories the incidence in children aged 0-4 years greatly exceeds the regional average.
Comparison with previous years
The current incidence (7.50/1,000) is far from the typical peaks of the full winter season and remains at low levels. The 0-4 year range, although recording the highest value this week, still remains below the seasonal maximums observed in the peak periods. This picture is consistent with a phase of attenuation of the ARI activity, which however requires monitoring to detect any trend reversals.
