The Institute of Public Health and Occupational Health of Navarra (ISPLN) stated in its epidemiological report for the week of the 16th that the number of cases of acute gastroenteritis in primary care institutions increased last week, with 373 cases as of October 22.
The ISPLN said the causative factors are “many and varied, with viruses predominating” and recommended “regular practice of good hand hygiene” and always after using the toilet and before eating or handling food . Children with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis should not go to day care until their symptoms have completely resolved. People with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis should avoid handling food or cooking for others until symptoms completely resolve.
On the other hand, Bordetella pertussis has been circulating in Navarre since September, with 10 confirmed cases and 2 suspected cases of pertussis, ranging in age from 6 months to 13 years old. The disease begins with an irritating cough that becomes paroxysmal within a week or two and may be accompanied by inspiratory wheezing. Episodes usually end with mucus discharge.
This will last for several weeks. It can spread from person to person within the first 10-20 days. The clinical manifestations of pertussis vary with age and vaccination history. In infants younger than 6 months old, the typical symptoms of stridor may not appear, and apnea may occur after the spasm. Children under 6 months of age, especially those who have not completed their primary vaccination series, “are at risk of complications and death.”
Consultations for respiratory tract infections increase
There has been an increase in presentations for acute respiratory tract infections in primary care, a slight increase in influenza syndrome cases and stable cases of covid-19. The incidence rate is 530 per 100,000 inhabitants, of which 11 per 100,000 are influenza syndrome and 37 per 100,000 are COVID-19.
Ten people have been hospitalized with covid-19 and one has died. Six cases of influenza have been confirmed this week: 4 cases of influenza A (H1N1), 1 case of influenza B and 1 case yet to be classified. Four cases required hospitalization.
Four cases of respiratory syncytial virus have been confirmed this week, one of which required hospitalization. High circulation of rhinoviruses, and to a lesser extent other viruses such as enteroviruses, adenoviruses, and parainfluenza viruses, is found in patients with acute respiratory infections.
The vaccination campaign against influenza and covid-19 started on 16 October. As of October 23, 31,907 doses of influenza vaccine and 24,821 doses of Covid-19 vaccine had been administered. The reason for the difference is that this year’s flu vaccine is indicated for more people than covid-19.
general mortality
There were 93 deaths recorded in the week of October 9 to 15 (complete data was available last week), a value “within what would be expected for this time of year”.
Preliminary estimates for the week of October 16-22 suggest the death toll remains at a similar figure.
So far this year, there have been about 140 fewer deaths than expected, “due to a mild respiratory virus season and little impact from heatwaves.”