Overview
- Germany recorded 2,396 confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases in calendar week 37, up from 2,153 the week before, according to the RKI.
- The Omicron-derived XFG lineage known as Stratus accounted for about 84% of recent sequences, rising from roughly 65% in weeks 32–33 and displacing the previously dominant Nimbus variant.
- WHO assesses Stratus as more transmissible than earlier lineages, and current monitoring has not identified evidence of increased severity.
- RKI surveillance indicates more visits to primary care for mild respiratory symptoms while severe respiratory hospitalizations remain low.
- Rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2 are circulating, and experts warn the health system could face added strain if influenza and RSV activity picks up later in the autumn.