Low levels of respiratory syncytial virus activity in Europe during the 2020/21 season: what can we expect in the summer and autumn/winter?

Since the introduction of non-pharmacological interventions to control COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity in Europe has been limited. Surveillance data for 17 countries showed delayed RSV epidemics in France (Z 12 w) and Iceland (Z 4 w) during the 2020/21 season. RSV cases (predominantly small children) in France and Iceland were older compared with previous seasons. We hypothesise that future RSV epidemic(s) could start outside the usual autumn/ winter season and be larger than expected. Year-round surveillance of RSV is of critical importance.

Automated summary

The introduction of non-pharmacological interventions to control COVID-19 has limited RSV activity in Europe. Delayed RSV epidemics were observed in France and Iceland during the 2020/21 season, with cases being older compared to previous seasons. Therefore, year-round surveillance of RSV is deemed critical.