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Flu cases in the Region of Murcia shot up by 248.8% during the first week of December, reaching 180 cases per 100,000 people, according to the latest report from the Acute Respiratory Infection Surveillance System in Primary Care of the Murcian Health Service (SMS).

 

Overall, acute respiratory infections (ARIs) rose by 32% between December 1 and 7 compared to the previous week, reaching 982 cases per 100,000 people across the Region.

 

The document shows that flu incidence has skyrocketed in all nine health areas. The rises have been dramatic across the board: Area I (West Murcia) saw a 267.7% increase, Area II (Cartagena) jumped 232.7%, Area III (Lorca) was up 171.2%, Area IV (Northwest) surged 317.4%, Area V (Altiplano) climbed 300%, Area VI (Middle Segura Valley) rose 253.4%, Area VII (East Murcia) increased 273.3%, Area VIII (Mar Menor) went up 217.1% and Area IX (Upper Segura Valley) showed the smallest but still significant rise of 129.2%.

 

Face masks became mandatory in public and private health centres across the Region of Murcia on Tuesday December 9. The measure will stay in place until the end of December.

 

This applies to anyone visiting hospitals and primary care centres, polyclinics or multi-purpose health centres, as well as out-of-hospital emergency services.

 

The Ministry says that mask use is "the most effective and simple prevention mechanism that significantly helps to contain the transmission of respiratory viruses and presents a lower restrictive burden for the population."

 

The order references a current epidemiological report showing that the flu epidemic wave in the Region of Murcia, with its rising curve, has arrived four weeks earlier than in the previous season.

 

The "pronounced increase" seen by the regional health authorities in week 48 compared to week 47, more than doubling, indicates there's a rapid progression of flu infection all across Murcia.

 

Beyond the mandatory requirement in health centres, the Ministry of Health is generally advising mask use for particularly vulnerable or immunocompromised people, as well as anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness.

 

Masks are also recommended in social service centres and facilities caring for elderly or disabled people, both residential and day centres, private health practices where there's greater interaction between professionals and patients, and in health establishments, especially pharmacies.

 

The mask requirement will be reviewed regularly and could be modified, extended or scaled back depending on how the regional epidemiological situation develops.

 

 

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