Pneumonia rates fall in Navarre but remain at ‘high level’

this Pneumonia incidence drops in Navarre Last week, pneumococci (211 cases since January 1) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (174 cases since January 1) were frequently diagnosed, although still at “high levels”. Cases of whooping cough are also frequently detected, the Navarra Institute of Public and Occupational Health said in its epidemiological report for the week of February 26 to March 3.

Reduction in the number of acute respiratory tract infection visits in primary care. The rate is 594 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, of which 19 per 100,000 correspond to influenza syndrome and 2 per 100,000 to covid-19.

The virus is influenza happened 8 hospitalizations. Among subtype influenza cases, 75% are influenza A H3N2 and 25% are influenza A H1N1. The spread of covid-19 remains at low levels, with three people hospitalized. Sporadic transmission of respiratory syncytial virus has resulted in two hospitalizations in adults.

Therefore, ISPLN noted that influenza viruses, covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus are still detected.Preliminary results indicate This season’s flu vaccine is ‘moderately effective’

It is estimated that it has prevented “more than 250 hospitalizations in Navarra”. The COVID-19 vaccine has also shown to be “moderately effective” in preventing hospitalizations, and is estimated to have “prevented more than 90 hospitalizations this quarter.” 3

4 cases of whooping cough

Bordetella pertussis has been “widespread” this season, with 34 confirmed cases in 2024. Seven of the cases were children under one year old, but none required hospitalization.

The disease begins with an irritating cough that becomes paroxysmal and may be accompanied by inspiratory wheezing. The episode may end with the drainage of mucus. This will last for several weeks. It spreads from person to person within the first 10-20 days.

The manifestations of whooping cough vary depending on age and vaccination history. In children under 6 months of age, the classic symptoms of stridor may not appear, and apnea may follow the spasm. The highest risk for the severe form occurs in children less than 6 months old before completing the primary vaccination series.

“Despite the high incidence, good vaccination coverage among pregnant women is preventing severe cases in newborns,” Public Health stressed.

Advice for facing “higher frequency” cases of scabies

In light of the “increased frequency” of scabies cases in Spain and other countries, ISPLN reviews some important aspects of scabies detection and treatment. Scabies (scabies) is a parasitic skin infection that causes papules, blisters, and itchy linear grooves. It is spread from person to person through direct close contact (cohabitants, caregivers, sexual partners) or through clothing.

To effectively treat scabies, it is necessary to: test all cases and close contacts potentially associated with the outbreak, including close non-household contacts; plan and coordinate concurrent treatment of all cases and their close contacts; and explain the treatment process in detail.

Treatment will be “synchronized and coordinated” for all injured persons (cases), as well as for those who were not injured but were in close contact with the cases. The most common treatment is to apply 5% permethrin cream topically to the neck and wash off after 8-14 hours. It is recommended to apply again after 7 days.

Preventive treatment for close contacts includes a single topical application of 5% permethrin cream. This preventive treatment of close contacts is given only once and at the same time as the case. If the entire group shows no signs of healing several days after completing surgery, the treatment may need to be repeated for the entire group.

On the other hand, the ISPLN detailed in its report environmental control measures that must be implemented the morning after the treatment is applied, which is also the time for showering and changing sheets the next day.

Therefore, it states that “underwear, clothes, towels, bed sheets, pillowcases, mattress covers and armchair covers used within 3 days before the start of treatment must be washed at 60°C”. Personal items, cushions and pillows that cannot be washed in the box “will be placed in a sealed plastic bag for seven days, as the mites cannot survive outside of the host (human) for longer than this time.” Large items that cannot be washed, such as beds Cushions, sofas or upholstery can be cleaned by vacuuming or steam cleaning.