Current Respiratory Infection Trends in North Rhine-Westphalia: Corona, Flu, and RSV Data
In North Rhine-Westphalia, recent data from the Robert Koch-Institut (RKI) shows a current 7-day COVID-19 incidence rate of 0.1 per 100,000 residents as of June 16, 2026. While respiratory illness trends remain stable, regional reports indicate a rise in acute respiratory infections in the West of Germany, even as labor-confirmed cases of influenza and RSV remain at low levels.
Current Status of COVID-19 in North Rhine-Westphalia
The 7-day incidence rate for COVID-19 across all age groups in North Rhine-Westphalia stands at 0.1 per 100,000 inhabitants. Health authorities recorded 16 new cases in the week leading up to June 16, 2026. The highest incidence rate, at 0.4, is currently observed among those aged 80 and older. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has documented 8,231,132 labor-confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Did You Know?
The highest RSV incidence rate recorded in North Rhine-Westphalia throughout 2026 occurred in calendar week 09, when 892 new cases were registered in a single week, resulting in an incidence of 4.92 per 100,000 residents.
Trends in Respiratory and Influenza-like Illnesses
The German Großregion Mitte (West) reported an incidence of 4,000 acute respiratory infections per 100,000 residents in the 23rd calendar week of 2026, according to RKI data. This figure represents an increase from the previous week’s 3,400 and sits above the national average of 3,400. In contrast, the incidence of influenza-like illnesses—defined by the presence of fever alongside cough or sore throat—remained steady at 400 per 100,000, which is below the national average of 500.
These figures are based on self-reported data from the RKI’s “GrippeWeb” portal. For the 23rd calendar week, 3,215 participants in the region provided health updates, compared to 9,143 reports nationwide.
Influenza and RSV Developments
The “true” influenza virus resulted in 9 new cases in North Rhine-Westphalia during week 23, equating to an incidence of 0.05. Meanwhile, cases of the Respiratory Synzytial Virus (RSV) have declined. There were 15 new RSV cases in the state during the same period, a drop of 26 cases from the prior week. The current RSV incidence rate is 0.08 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Expert Insight:
While COVID-19, influenza, and RSV remain at low, labor-confirmed levels, the uptick in general acute respiratory infections—which are not always lab-confirmed—suggests that circulation of various common pathogens continues. Maintaining awareness of these trends is essential, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young children and the elderly, who are more susceptible to severe outcomes from respiratory viruses.
What May Happen Next
Future infection rates could fluctuate depending on seasonal patterns and population mobility. Because current figures for acute respiratory infections in the West of Germany exceed the national average, health officials may continue to monitor whether these self-reported symptoms lead to an increase in clinical, labor-confirmed diagnoses. If the current trajectory of declining RSV cases continues, the state could see even lower incidence rates in the coming weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an acute respiratory infection (ARE) and an influenza-like illness (ILI)?
According to the RKI, an ARE includes any new respiratory illness featuring cough, sore throat, or fever. An ILI is a specific category of ARE that must include fever in addition to a cough or sore throat.
How are the incidence rates for general respiratory illnesses calculated?
These rates are based on self-reported data from volunteers registered with the RKI’s “GrippeWeb” portal, rather than clinical laboratory confirmations.
Which age group in North Rhine-Westphalia currently shows the highest COVID-19 incidence?
As of June 16, 2026, the age group of 80 years and older holds the highest 7-day COVID-19 incidence rate at 0.4.
How will you adjust your health precautions if local respiratory infection rates continue to climb above the national average?