Influenza rates rise again in Basque Country, masks to be worn for at least another two weeks

The incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in the Basque Country rose to 717.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants from January 8 to 14, compared with 637.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the previous seven days, rising for two consecutive weeks.

The latest ARI rate monitoring report released by the Basque Ministry of Health on Wednesday confirmed Influenza transmission increases, bronchiolitis and COVID-19 cases decrease.

However, the rate of serious infections requiring hospitalization fell from 33.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the first week of January to 24.5 the following week.

In the Basque Country, the influenza incidence rate increased again, reaching 76.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (previous week: 72.2 cases).

In the case of COVID-19, the positivity rate for severe respiratory infection cases is almost identical at 11.7%.

In the second week of this year, there were 110 COVID-19 hospitalizations (compared to 122 the previous week), with 85.5% of hospitalized patients aged 60 or older.

These data mean Masks will continue to be mandatory in hospitals and outpatient clinics in the Basque Country for at least two weeks

because for this obligation to be reduced, the incidence rate must fall for two consecutive weeks.