Influenza activity in the Balearic Islands remains at a low epidemic level, although a slight increase has been recorded, particularly among people aged over 60. During the second week of the year, 73.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants were reported, compared to 70.3 cases the previous week.
While flu transmission remains limited, acute respiratory infections (ARI) caused by various viruses have risen significantly. Across the general population, incidence increased from 493.1 to 588.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in just one week.
The rise has been even more pronounced among those aged 60 and over, where ARI incidence reached 760.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, up from 609.4 the week before — an increase of nearly 25%, according to the Regional Committee on Infectious Diseases following its weekly meeting.
Health authorities stress that many older adults suffer from underlying medical conditions that can worsen due to respiratory infections, sometimes requiring hospital admission.
The dominant circulating influenza strain is currently AH3N2, which may be more contagious because it is less easily recognised by the immune system, although it does not usually cause more severe illness than other flu strains.
At the same time, a decline in severe acute respiratory infections has been observed, with incidence dropping to 16.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to 25.2 in the previous reporting period.
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Health Authorities Reinforce Hospitals Amid Rise in Respiratory Infections. Hospital capacity reinforced
In response to rising admissions, the Balearic Health Service activated 34 intermediate care beds at Verge de la Salut Hospital on Monday, as part of the Winter Plan launched in December.
These beds add to the 24 beds activated last week at Son Espases University Hospital, bringing the total to 58 additional beds, supported by the recruitment of 50 healthcare and support professionals.
Hospital contingency plans also include accelerating patient discharges, hiring additional staff, strengthening diagnostic services, reducing scheduled hospital activity, and enhancing coordination between hospitals, primary care services, and emergency medical systems to ensure sufficient healthcare capacity.