COVID-19 Cases tick Up in Canary Islands, No Immediate Health System Strain Reported
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Las Palmas, Canary Islands – A recent report indicates a sustained increase in COVID-19 cases across both primary care settings adn hospitals in the Canary Islands.While the rise is notable, health officials emphasize that current incidence rates remain low and substantially below those observed during previous epidemic waves.
Data from the 31st week (July 28 – August 3) reveals a COVID-19 incidence rate of 34.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, up from 28.5 cases per 100,000 the prior week and 22.5 cases per 100,000 the week of july 15-21. This upward trend challenges the notion of COVID-19 as strictly a seasonal illness, demonstrating continued circulation even during summer months, albeit at lower intensity than winter or spring peaks.
Alongside COVID-19,overall acute respiratory infection (ARI) rates are also being monitored. The incidence rate for all ARIs stands at 434.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, slightly down from 454.2 cases per 100,000 the previous week. Influenza rates are currently at 22.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (down from 24.3), and acute bronchiolitis affects 1.6 per 100,000 (down from 1.9).
Hospitalization rates for severe acute respiratory infections (Irag) in the Canary Islands are currently at 9.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with preliminary data suggesting a slight increase to 10.3 per 100,000 as data consolidates.
National Trends Mirror Canary Islands Increase
Nationally,the COVID-19 syndrome rate is 18.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, an increase from 16.6 the previous week. The national hospitalization rate for COVID-19 is 1.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, also up from 1.4. Since the start of the current season (week 40/2024), 23.1% of hospitalized COVID-19 cases have presented with pneumonia, 4.3% required ICU admission,and the lethality rate is 8%.
Health ministry Assures Public: No Emergency Pressure
The Canary Islands Ministry of Health has issued a statement assuring the public that the current increase in COVID-19 cases is not placing undue pressure on the islands’ emergency healthcare services. Officials report that the virus is circulating at a “much lower” proportion compared to last summer, and there are currently no alarming indicators.
It’s vital to note that official case counts only reflect infections reported through public health centers. Data does not include cases managed in private facilities or individuals who self-treat at home,leading to a potential underestimation of the true prevalence.
Local pharmacies have reported an increase in demand for both COVID-19 and influenza diagnostic tests, and also medications commonly used to manage COVID-19 symptoms.This suggests a growing public awareness and proactive approach to monitoring and managing potential infections.
