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Flu cases slightly decrease in the Balearic Islands, while respiratory infections and bronchiolitis rise

Jan 23, 2026 | Actualidad, Current affairs, Featured, Interview, Portada, Post, Revista Lloseta, Thursday Daily Bulletin, Tradition

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1 Flu cases slightly decrease in the Balearic Islands, while respiratory infections and bronchiolitis rise. Rise in respiratory infections
2 A calmer week in hospitals
3 Increase in bronchiolitis cases

Flu cases in the Balearic Islands have shown a slight decline during the third week of the year, although acute respiratory infections continue to rise, particularly among people over 60 years old and children aged 2 to 5.

According to data reviewed by the Comité Autonómico de Enfermedades Infecciosas, flu incidence has dropped to 64.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to 73.3 the previous week. This keeps the region in a low-intensity epidemic phase and suggests the beginning of a gradual seasonal decline.

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Flu cases slightly decrease in the Balearic Islands, while respiratory infections and bronchiolitis rise. Rise in respiratory infections

Despite the reduction in flu cases, acute respiratory infections (ARI) caused by various viruses have continued to increase. Among the general population, incidence reached 616.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, up from 588.2 the week before.

Among those over 60 years of age, ARI incidence rose slightly to 771.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with many patients presenting underlying conditions that may worsen and require hospitalisation.

A calmer week in hospitals

This stabilisation, together with the activation of additional hospital beds, has resulted in a calmer week in public hospital emergency services.

The Servicio de Salud de las Illes Balears recently enabled 34 beds at Verge de la Salut hospital, along with 25 additional beds at Sant Joan de Déu hospitals in Palma and Inca. These measures are part of the Winter Plan, which allows for the activation of up to 215 beds during peak winter demand.

Increase in bronchiolitis cases

Health experts have also confirmed a significant increase in bronchiolitis and bronchitis caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Incidence rose from 260.7 to 404.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in just one week.

The increase mainly affects:

  • Children aged 2 to 5, who have not been immunized against RSV.
  • Adults over 60, especially those with weakened immune systems or pre-existing conditions.