ARI and Influenza Surge in Andorra Exceeds Thresholds

Acute respiratory infections (ARI) and influenza cases continue to rise in Andorra, with incidence rates exceeding key thresholds during the week of 15 to 21 December 2025, health authorities report.

The overall ARI rate reached 514.88 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, marking a steady increase from 477.08 the previous week and well above 398.35 two weeks prior. Children aged 0-4 remain the hardest hit group, accounting for a significant share of diagnoses. Epidemiological trends suggest the country may be nearing the peak of this respiratory virus wave, though pressure on healthcare services persists, particularly among young patients.

Influenza showed even sharper growth, climbing to 266.67 cases per 100,000 inhabitants from 208.96 the week before. This pushes the virus into a high-incidence phase for the first time this season, with children again most affected—those aged 0-4 followed by 5-14. Analysis of positive samples confirms influenza A as dominant, making up 77.61% of detections. Other viruses trailed far behind: rhinovirus/enterovirus (common cold) at 11.94%, Covid-19 at 4.48%, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and adenovirus each at 1.49%. Overall, 16.26% of tested samples were positive, similar to last week's figure but with influenza clearly leading.

These developments mean roughly three-quarters of diagnosed respiratory infections in Andorra now stem from flu. While indicators point toward a potential crest in viral circulation, elevated healthcare demands continue across the board.