COVID-19 and variant Xec cases are rising in Italy

The latest weekly Bulletin of cases of coronavirus infection from the Ministry of Health and the Italian National Institute of Health, covering the period from 26 September to 2 October 2024, indicates an increase in the number of cases in Italy. In the preceding seven-day period, 13,073 new cases were recorded, representing an increase from the 11,164 cases reported in the previous week. Conversely, there was a reduction in the number of deaths, with the latest figures standing at 85, down from 112 in the previous seven-day period. The highest incidence was documented in the Veneto region (41.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), while the lowest incidence was observed in Calabria, where no cases were reported during the designated observation period. The latest data (updated 2 October) reveals a rise in the index of transmissibility (Rt). This now stands at 1.20, an increase on the previous week (0.90 on 10 September 2024). The age groups with the highest weekly incidence rate are 80-89 and over 90. Most age groups have a stable weekly incidence rate. The median age at diagnosis is 60. The currently available data demonstrate the co-circulation of distinct sub-variants of Jn.1, with a notable prevalence of KP.3.1.1. Additionally, the proportion of sequences attributable to the recombinant Xec lineage is also increasing.