Andorra Sees Sharp Influenza Rise in Early March

Andorra recorded a sharp rise in influenza cases during the first week of March, with incidence more than doubling to 17.22 per 100,000 inhabitants, driven largely by infections among those aged 74 and over.

The Health Ministry's week 10 epidemiological report, covering March 2 to 8, showed acute respiratory infection rates climbing to 177.44 cases per 100,000 people, up from 139.8 the previous week and reversing a late-February decline. Children aged 0-4 suffered the highest overall rates from these infections. Influenza specifically jumped from 8.03 per 100,000 the prior week and exceeded the 13.77 rate from two weeks earlier. Officials described the figures as low and below epidemic levels, noting a slight increase rather than a major surge.

Virological tests revealed 13.12% of samples positive for respiratory viruses, compared to 9.38% the week before. Among positives, rhinovirus/enterovirus made up 33.3%, metapneumovirus 23.8%, and 14.29% each for RSV, adenovirus, and influenza A.

Some reports characterized acute respiratory infection rates as stable relative to the immediate prior week, while emphasizing the rebound from earlier periods. In contrast to Andorra's uptick, Europe-wide viral circulation has fallen, with influenza on a general downward path and RSV levels high but hospital admissions having peaked. The ministry is maintaining vigilant surveillance through the respiratory season.