Portugal recorded an increase in serious respiratory infections, especially in those over 65 years old, and excess mortality in the North region in people aged 75 to 84 years old, reveal data from the Ricardo Jorge National Health Institute (INSA).
According to the INSA epidemiological surveillance bulletin for influenza and other respiratory viruses, in the week of December 1st to 7th, there was an epidemic flu activity with an increasing trend.
That week, 97 cases of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) were admitted to Local Health Units (ULS) that reported data for SARI surveillance.
“An increase in the incidence rate was observed compared to previous weeks, with the SARI incidence rate recorded this week reaching 12.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants”, maintaining the highest incidence rate in the age group aged 65 or over, says INSA.
The Portuguese Network of Laboratories for the Diagnosis of Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses detected, last week, 1164 positive cases for the flu virus, of which 1163 were type A and 1 was type B.
According to the data, four cases of influenza were reported by the 18 Intensive Care Units (ICU) that sent information, six fewer cases compared to the previous week, and the non-subtyped type A influenza virus was identified.
Of the patients admitted to the ICU, one was 65 or over, two were 55-64 years old and one was between 35-44 years old. Three had an underlying chronic illness and a recommendation for seasonal flu vaccination, one of which was vaccinated.
Other respiratory agents were also identified in 328 cases, with Rhinovirus/Enterovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being the most frequently detected.
INSA states that mortality from all causes is in line with what is expected in Portugal. “However, excess mortality was identified in the week under analysis in mainland Portugal, the North region and in the age group between 75 and 84 years old”.
In recent weeks, the influenza virus has been the most common infectious agent identified in epidemiological surveillance.