Amid debate over mandatory mask wearing, flu cases break records in Basque Country

By age group, children aged 0 to 4 have the highest incidence, with 1,497 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, down from 1,852 the previous week. Incidence rates also decreased in those under 15 years of age, but increased in all other age groups.

In a note breaking down all the data ahead of the report’s release, Osakidcha acknowledged that “the spread of influenza continues to increase” in Basqueti, although he clarified that the situation “is not as high as in Europe.” obvious”. A few weeks ago. In its advisory, the public health entity also noted a “modest increase” in COVID-19 infection rates and a decrease in bronchiolitis diagnoses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) detections.

The increase in official flu and COVID-19 cases also occurred during a week with a holiday (New Year’s Day).

The number of hospitalizations due to respiratory infections increased from 29.5 per 100,000 inhabitants in the last week of 2023 to 33.8 in the first week of 2024, with the main affected group being those over 64 years old. The rise in serious cases requiring hospitalization has led Osakidza to activate more beds in its hospital network.

The proportion of influenza-positive cases admitted to hospital was 36%, compared with 37% the week before and 29% the week before. For COVID-19, this is 11.6%, compared with 10.7% in 2023 and 10% in the previous term. In terms of VRS, the percentage was 14.1%, up from 10.6% in the last week of 2023 and down from 20% in the previous week.

The recording of the flu cases comes amid a dispute between the health ministry and some regional governments, including that of the Basque Country, over decisions to make masks mandatory in hospitals, outpatient clinics and other health centres.

Also on Wednesday, Enrique Perrault, head of Osakideca’s public health project, reiterated the Basque government’s rejection of the mandatory use of masks because the epidemiological situation in Basque Country is “absolutely normal” for winter. In an interview with Popular Radio, Perot noted that the incidence of influenza “remains at a high level, although we are about to reach an inflection point.”