Epidemic alarm in Rhineland-Palatinate: respiratory diseases on the rise!

Epidemic alarm in Rhineland-Palatinate: respiratory diseases on the rise!

There is reason to be attentive in the healthcare system in Rhineland-Palatinate, as respiratory diseases are very common at this time of year. Current data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) shows that illnesses such as coughs, runny noses and sore throats are widespread in the region. On October 25, 2025, the RKI reported a 7-day incidence of 6.4 per 100,000 inhabitants for Corona, which corresponds to 267 new cases in the past week. The older generation is particularly affected; the incidence among those over 80 is an alarming 23.6, which underlines the need for precautionary measures. A total of 1,810,875 positive corona cases have been recorded in Rhineland-Palatinate since the beginning of the pandemic, which clearly indicates the pandemic situation. news.de reported.

Respiratory diseases are also increasing in the greater West Germany region. In the last week, 6,800 acute respiratory illnesses were recorded there per 100,000 inhabitants, while the incidence of flu-like illnesses is 1,100. While these numbers are lower than the national average, they should still be taken seriously. Influenza is also on the rise; In calendar week 42, 14 new cases were registered, which corresponds to an influenza incidence of 0.34.

The situation regarding RSV and other diseases

There are also challenges posed by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). However, no new RSV cases were reported in calendar week 43, the incidence is 0. However, this could be misleading, because at the beginning of the year, in calendar week 09/2025, there was a peak with 317 new cases and an incidence of 7.62 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Interestingly, the health authorities in Rhineland-Palatinate have also taken measures to keep a better eye on the spread of these viruses. In calendar week 23, 18 samples from medical practices were sent to the State Investigation Office (LUA) for surveillance. These resulted in 7 laboratory findings of influenza, 40 of COVID-19 and 8 of RSV being identified. But the result was sobering: Evidence of the influenza virus and RSV was found in 0% of the samples, which only indicates a low-activity infection process. lua.rlp.de publishes interesting information about this.

Part of the strategy against these respiratory diseases is the SURE project, which was launched by the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Health and the LUA. Over 40 general practices and pediatric practices are taking part in order to gain new insights into the spread and variants of the pathogens. The data is crucial in order to be able to specifically warn groups of people at risk and adapt vaccination recommendations.

Overall, the health authorities in Rhineland-Palatinate and the public are in a phase in which increased vigilance is required. Air pollution, time of year and the high incidence in certain age groups make it clear that it is important to pay attention to your own health and to act early if you notice signs of illness. Stay healthy!