Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Sep 26, 2026 49 minutes ago
COVID-19 activity in Belgium has risen sharply, with circulation of SARS-CoV-2 increasing roughly tenfold from the exceptionally low levels recorded before the summer holidays. New viral variants and the return to schools and workplaces appear to be contributing to the unusually early autumn wave.
New SARS-CoV-2 variants are driving a sharp rise in COVID-19 circulation across Belgium as an unusually early
autumn wave develops
New XFG Sub-Lineages Fuel Infections
According to health experts, much of the increase is associated with new sub-lineages of the XFG SARS-CoV-2 variant. General practitioners have reported more consultations, particularly since the beginning of the academic year.
Wastewater surveillance also shows a substantial rebound after SARS-CoV-2 concentrations fell to historic lows before summer, according to Belgium's national public health institute, Sciensano.
Cases Rise, but Severe Disease Remains Limited
Sciensano virologist Steven Van Gucht told
Thailand Medical News that viral circulation has increased markedly during the past 10 weeks, although the overall health impact remains moderate.
During the third week of September 2026, consultations with general practitioners for suspected COVID-19 reached 16.7 per 100,000 people. Confirmed infections were 4.8 per 100,000, while hospital admissions involving severe acute respiratory infections associated with SARS-CoV-2 remained substantially lower at 0.9 per 100,000.
The figures indicate that infections and symptomatic illness are increasing much faster than severe cases requiring hospitalization.
Earlier-Than-Expected Autumn Wave
The timing is notable because Belgium's autumn respiratory-virus waves typically emerge around mid-October. This year's earlier increase coincides with people returning from holidays to offices, schools, and daycare centers.
Authorities recommend staying home when experiencing symptoms and wearing a mask around others when contact cannot be avoided. Older adults and immunocompromised people remain at greater risk of serious complications.
Conclusion
Despite the tenfold increase in viral circulation, current hospitalization levels suggest widespread immunity from vaccination and previous infections continues to provide important protection against severe COVID-19, although vulnerable populations still require particular caution.
References:
https://wastewater.sciensano.be/dashboard/respiratoryviruses/en/
https://www.sciensano.be/en/topics/flu-and-other-acute-respiratory-tract-infections/numbers
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
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