January 2026

Summary:

• • • Rhino-/Enteroviruses: Infection numbers have declined significantly in the new year compared to calendar weeks 51 and 52.
    • Influenza (H3N2): Influenza activity appears to be decreasing; however, hospitalization rates in CW52 reached 60 inpatient admissions, remaining well above last year’s levels.
    • SARS-CoV-2 & RSV: Both viruses continue to circulate; RSV shows an increase in infections in CW1 despite overall lower numbers compared to CW52 of 2024.
    • Additional pathogens: Adenoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, bocaviruses, coronaviruses 229E/NL63, human metapneumovirus, and the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Bordetella pertussis were also detected.
    • Diagnostics: Detection is performed via multiplex PCR (not covered by public health insurance); current infection data are available on the institute’s dashboard.

Compared to calendar weeks 51 and 52, the number of infections with rhino-/enteroviruses has declined significantly in the new year. The influenza activity, dominated by H3N2, also appears to be decreasing.

Nevertheless, influenza-related hospitalization rates remain well above last year’s levels, with 60 inpatient admissions recorded in CW52.

SARS-CoV-2 and RSV infections continue to circulate, although RSV numbers are below those of CW52 in 2024. An increase in RSV infections has been observed in CW1, however.

Also detected in our laboratory in the new year were adenoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, bocaviruses, as well as coronaviruses 229E and NL63, and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). In addition, the bacterially caused respiratory infections Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Bordetella pertussis were identified.

The above detections are performed using multiplex PCR, which is not covered by public health insurance.

Current and historical infection data are available on our dashboard at Epidemiological Insights | Institute of Virology Innsbruck.