Uwe Riedmann , Wolfgang Rauch , Hannes Schenk , Herbert Oberacher , John PA. Ioannidis , Stefan Pilz
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objectives
Adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 policies requires information on contemporary infection trends. As SARS-CoV-2 infections are no longer actively tracked, indirect measures such as estimations based on wastewater data are needed.
Study design
This is a retrospective observational study.
Methods
We estimated total SARS-CoV-2 infections in the entire population of Austria from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, based on wastewater monitoring data. The applied method builds on a previously published approach that estimated infection prevalence during the pandemic by fitting wastewater measurements to seroprevalence data.
Results
Between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, we estimate 2.5 million new infections in Austria. Active infections peaked at 337,000 in late September and decreased thereafter. Infection rates in winter were substantially lower compared to previous years.
Conclusion
The findings indicate the earliest annual fall/winter peak and the lowest annual infections since 2020. Policy makers, physicians and high-risk individuals should be aware of the ongoing seasonal SARS-CoV-2 infection waves and their variability in timing.
期刊介绍:
Public Health is an international, multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal. It publishes original papers, reviews and short reports on all aspects of the science, philosophy, and practice of public health.