Comparative severity of COVID-19 cases caused by Alpha, Delta or Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants and its association with vaccination / Gravedad comparativa de los casos de COVID-19 causados por las variantes Alfa, Delta u Ómicron de SARS-CoV-2 y su asociación con la vacunación

Background: This study compares the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections caused by Alpha, Delta or Omicron variants in periods of co-circulation in Spain, and estimates the variant-specific association of vaccination with severe disease. Methods: SARS-CoV-2 infections notified to the national epidemiological surveillance network with information on genetic variant and vaccination status were considered cases if they required hospitalisation or controls otherwise. Alpha and Delta were compared during June–July 2021; and Delta and Omicron during December 2021–January 2022. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated using logistic regression, comparing variant and vaccination status between cases and controls. Results: We included 5,345 Alpha and 11,974 Delta infections in June–July and 5,272 Delta and 10,578 Omicron in December–January. Unvaccinated cases of Alpha (aOR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.46–0.69) or Omicron (0.28; 0.21–0.36) had lower probability of hospitalisation vs. Delta. Complete vaccination reduced hospitalisation, similarly for Alpha (0.16; 0.13–0.21) and Delta (June–July: 0.16; 0.14–0.19; December–January: 0.36; 0.30–0.44) but lower from Omicron (0.63; 0.53–0.75) and individuals aged 65+ years. Conclusion: Results indicate higher intrinsic severity of the Delta variant, compared with Alpha or Omicron, with smaller differences among vaccinated individuals. Nevertheless, vaccination was associated to reduced hospitalisation in all groups.(AU)

Introducción: El objetivo es comprar la gravedad de las infecciones por las variantes Alfa, Delta y Ómicron del SARS-CoV-2 en periodos de co-circulación en España, y estimar la asociación entre vacunación y gravedad en cada variante. Métodos: Las infecciones por SARS-CoV-2 notificadas a la red nacional de vigilancia epidemiológica con información sobre la variante viral y el estado de vacunación se clasificaron como casos si habían requerido hospitalización, o como controles en caso contrario. Alfa y Delta se compararon durante junio-julio de 2021, y Delta y Ómicron durante diciembre de 2021-enero de 2022. Se estimaron odds ratios ajustadas (ORa) mediante regresión logística, comparando la variante y el estado de vacunación entre casos y controles. Resultados: Se incluyeron 5.345 infecciones por variante Alfa y 11.974 por Delta en junio-julio y 5.272 infecciones por Delta y 10.578 por Ómicron en diciembre-enero. Los casos no vacunados por Alfa (aOR: 0,57; IC 95%: 0,46-0,69) u Ómicron (0,28; IC 95%: 0,21-0,36) tuvieron menor probabilidad de hospitalización comparados con Delta. La vacunación completa se asoció a menor hospitalización de forma similar para Alfa (0,16; IC 95%: 0,13-0,21) y Delta (junio-julio: 0,16; IC 95%: 0,14-0,19; diciembre-enero: 0,36; IC 95%: 0,30-0,44) pero menor para Ómicron (0,63; IC 95%: 0,53-0,75) y para individuos con 65+ años. Conclusión: Los resultados indican una mayor gravedad intrínseca de la variante Delta comparada con Alfa u Ómicron, con menor diferencia entre personas vacunadas. La vacunación se asoció a menor hospitalización en todos los grupos.(AU)

Comparative severity of COVID-19 cases caused by Alpha, Delta or Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants and its association with vaccination.

BACKGROUND: This study compares the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections caused by Alpha, Delta or Omicron variants in periods of co-circulation in Spain, and estimates the variant-specific association of vaccination with severe disease. METHODS: SARS-CoV-2 infections notified to the national epidemiological surveillance network with information on genetic variant and vaccination status were considered cases if they required hospitalisation or controls otherwise. Alpha and Delta were compared during June-July 2021; and Delta and Omicron during December 2021-January 2022. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated using logistic regression, comparing variant and vaccination status between cases and controls. RESULTS: We included 5,345 Alpha and 11,974 Delta infections in June-July and 5,272 Delta and 10,578 Omicron in December-January. Unvaccinated cases of Alpha (aOR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.46-0.69) or Omicron (0.28; 0.21-0.36) had lower probability of hospitalisation vs. Delta. Complete vaccination reduced hospitalisation, similarly for Alpha (0.16; 0.13-0.21) and Delta (June-July: 0.16; 0.14-0.19; December-January: 0.36; 0.30-0.44) but lower from Omicron (0.63; 0.53-0.75) and individuals aged 65+ years. CONCLUSION: Results indicate higher intrinsic severity of the Delta variant, compared with Alpha or Omicron, with smaller differences among vaccinated individuals. Nevertheless, vaccination was associated to reduced hospitalisation in all groups.

Influenza A(H5N1) detection in two asymptomatic poultry farm workers in Spain, September to October 2022: suspected environmental contamination.

In autumn 2022, the Spanish Influenza National Reference Laboratory (NRL) confirmed the detection of influenza A(H5N1) in samples from two asymptomatic workers linked to an outbreak in a poultry farm in Spain. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken according to a national screening protocol for exposed workers. Absence of symptoms, low viral load and negative serology in both workers suggested environmental contamination. These findings motivated an update of the early detection strategy specifying timing and sampling conditions in asymptomatic exposed persons.

Lifting COVID-19 mitigation measures in Spain (May-June 2020).

Introduction: The state of alarm was declared in Spain due to the COVID-19 epidemic on March 14, 2020, and established population confinement measures. The objective is to describe the process of lifting these mitigation measures. Methods: The Plan for the Transition to a New Normality, approved on April 28, contained four sequential phases with progressive increase in socio-economic activities and population mobility. In parallel, a new strategy for early diagnosis, surveillance and control was implemented. A bilateral decision mechanism was established between the Spanish Government and the autonomous communities (AC), guided by a set of qualitative and quantitative indicators capturing the epidemiological situation and core capacities. The territorial units were established ad-hoc and could be from Basic Health Zones to entire AC. Results: The process run from May 4 to June 21, 2020. AC implemented plans for reinforcement of core capacities. Incidence decreased from a median (50% of territories) of 7.4 per 100,000 in 7 days at the beginning to 2.5 at the end. Median PCR testing increased from 53% to 89% of suspected cases and PCR total capacity from 4.5 to 9.8 per 1000 inhabitants weekly; positivity rate decreased from 3.5% to 1.8%. Median proportion of cases with traced contacts increased from 82% to 100%. Conclusion: Systematic data collection, analysis, and interterritorial dialogue allowed adequate process control. The epidemiological situation improved but, mostly, the process entailed a great reinforcement of core response capacities nation-wide, under common criteria. Maintaining and further reinforcing capacities remained crucial for responding to future waves.

Introducción: El 14 de marzo de 2020 España declaró el estado de alarma por la pandemia por COVID-19 incluyendo medidas de confinamiento. El objetivo es describir el proceso de desescalada de estas medidas. Métodos: Un plan de transición hacia una nueva normalidad, del 28 de abril, incluía 4 fases secuenciales incrementando progresivamente las actividades socioeconómicas y la movilidad. Concomitantemente, se implementó una nueva estrategia de diagnóstico precoz, vigilancia y control. Se estableció un mecanismo de decisión bilateral entre Gobierno central y comunidades autónomas (CCAA), guiado por un panel de indicadores cualitativos y cuantitativos de la situación epidemiológica y las capacidades básicas. Las unidades territoriales evaluadas comprendían desde zonas básicas de salud hasta CCAA. Resultados: El proceso se extendió del 4 de mayo al 21 de junio y se asoció a planes de refuerzo de las capacidades en las CCAA. La incidencia disminuyó de una mediana inicial de 7,4 por 100.000 en 7 días a 2,5 al final del proceso. La mediana de pruebas PCR aumentó del 53% al 89% de los casos sospechosos, y la capacidad total de 4,5 a 9,8 pruebas semanales por 1.000 habitantes; la positividad disminuyó del 3,5% al 1,8%. La mediana de casos con contactos trazados aumentó del 82% al 100%. Conclusión: La recogida y análisis sistemático de información y el diálogo interterritorial logaron un adecuado control del proceso. La situación epidemiológica mejoró, pero sobre todo, se aumentaron las capacidades, en todo el país y con criterios comunes, cuyo mantenimiento y refuerzo fue clave en olas sucesivas.

Lifting COVID-19 mitigation measures in Spain (May-June 2020).

INTRODUCTION: The state of alarm was declared in Spain due to the COVID-19 epidemic on March 14, 2020, and established population confinement measures. The objective is to describe the process of lifting these mitigation measures. METHODS: The Plan for the Transition to a New Normality, approved on April 28, contained four sequential phases with progressive increase in socio-economic activities and population mobility. In parallel, a new strategy for early diagnosis, surveillance and control was implemented. A bilateral decision mechanism was established between the Spanish Government and the autonomous communities (AC), guided by a set of qualitative and quantitative indicators capturing the epidemiological situation and core capacities. The territorial units were established ad-hoc and could be from Basic Health Zones to entire AC. RESULTS: The process run from May 4 to June 21, 2020. AC implemented plans for reinforcement of core capacities. Incidence decreased from a median (50% of territories) of 7.4 per 100,000 in 7 days at the beginning to 2.5 at the end. Median PCR testing increased from 53% to 89% of suspected cases and PCR total capacity from 4.5 to 9.8 per 1000 inhabitants weekly; positivity rate decreased from 3.5% to 1.8%. Median proportion of cases with traced contacts increased from 82% to 100%. CONCLUSION: Systematic data collection, analysis, and interterritorial dialogue allowed adequate process control. The epidemiological situation improved but, mostly, the process entailed a great reinforcement of core response capacities nation-wide, under common criteria. Maintaining and further reinforcing capacities remained crucial for responding to future waves.

Lifting COVID-19 mitigation measures in Spain (May–June 2020 / La desescalada de las medidas de mitigación contra el COVID-19 en España (mayo–junio 2020)

Introduction: The state of alarm was declared in Spain due to the COVID-19 epidemic on March 14, 2020, and established population confinement measures. The objective is to describe the process of lifting these mitigation measures. Methods: The Plan for the Transition to a New Normality, approved on April 28, contained four sequential phases with progressive increase in socio-economic activities and population mobility. In parallel, a new strategy for early diagnosis, surveillance and control was implemented. A bilateral decision mechanism was established between the Spanish Government and the autonomous communities (AC), guided by a set of qualitative and quantitative indicators capturing the epidemiological situation and core capacities. The territorial units were established ad-hoc and could be from Basic Health Zones to entire AC. Results: The process run from May 4 to June 21, 2020. AC implemented plans for reinforcement of core capacities. Incidence decreased from a median (50% of territories) of 7.4 per 100,000 in 7 days at the beginning to 2.5 at the end. Median PCR testing increased from 53% to 89% of suspected cases and PCR total capacity from 4.5 to 9.8 per 1000 inhabitants weekly; positivity rate decreased from 3.5% to 1.8%. Median proportion of cases with traced contacts increased from 82% to 100%. Conclusion: Systematic data collection, analysis, and interterritorial dialogue allowed adequate process control. The epidemiological situation improved but, mostly, the process entailed a great reinforcement of core response capacities nation-wide, under common criteria. Maintaining and further reinforcing capacities remained crucial for responding to future waves.(AU)

Introducción: El 14 de marzo de 2020 España declaró el estado de alarma por la pandemia por COVID-19 incluyendo medidas de confinamiento. El objetivo es describir el proceso de desescalada de estas medidas. Métodos: Un plan de transición hacia una nueva normalidad, del 28 de abril, incluía 4 fases secuenciales incrementando progresivamente las actividades socioeconómicas y la movilidad. Concomitantemente, se implementó una nueva estrategia de diagnóstico precoz, vigilancia y control. Se estableció un mecanismo de decisión bilateral entre Gobierno central y comunidades autónomas (CCAA), guiado por un panel de indicadores cualitativos y cuantitativos de la situación epidemiológica y las capacidades básicas. Las unidades territoriales evaluadas comprendían desde zonas básicas de salud hasta CCAA. Resultados: El proceso se extendió del 4 de mayo al 21 de junio y se asoció a planes de refuerzo de las capacidades en las CCAA. La incidencia disminuyó de una mediana inicial de 7,4 por 100.000 en 7 días a 2,5 al final del proceso. La mediana de pruebas PCR aumentó del 53% al 89% de los casos sospechosos, y la capacidad total de 4,5 a 9,8 pruebas semanales por 1.000 habitantes; la positividad disminuyó del 3,5% al 1,8%. La mediana de casos con contactos trazados aumentó del 82% al 100%. Conclusión: La recogida y análisis sistemático de información y el diálogo interterritorial logaron un adecuado control del proceso. La situación epidemiológica mejoró, pero sobre todo, se aumentaron las capacidades, en todo el país y con criterios comunes, cuyo mantenimiento y refuerzo fue clave en olas sucesivas.(AU)

[Long-term care facilities (LTCF) for the elderly: the surveillance of communicable diseases as part of health care and protection.] / Centros residenciales de mayores: la vigilancia de las enfermedades transmisibles como parte del cuidado y la protección de la salud.

During the last decades, healthcare has undergone important changes. Increased life expectancy has given rise to an aging population that, according to the United Nations, is about to become one of the most important social transformations of the 21st century. Globally, there were 727 million people aged 65 or over in 2020 (9.3% of the total population) and this is estimated to increase to 16% by 2050 . In the European Union (EU), the percentage of the population aged 65 or over has increased from 9.6% in 1960 to 20.3% in 2019 and is projected to increase to 31.3% by 2100. We are also witnessing a process of aging of the elderly population, with a proportion of very old people (those aged 80 and over) in the total population of the European Union of 5.8% in 2019 . Spain is one of the countries with the highest proportion of older people, with a percentage of citizens aged 65 or over in 2020 of 19.6% of the total population, and with a projection of 26.5% for 2035. Almost a third of this population (6%) are 80 years or older.

Durante las últimas décadas la asistencia sanitaria ha sufrido importantes cambios. La mayor esperanza de vida ha dado lugar a un envejecimiento de la población que, según las Naciones Unidas, está a punto de convertirse en una de las más importantes transformaciones sociales del siglo XXI. A nivel mundial, había 727 millones de personas de 65 años o más en 2020 (un 9,3% de la población total) y se estima que aumente al 16% en 2050 . En la Unión Europea (UE), el porcentaje de población de 65 años o más se ha incrementado de un 9,6% en 1960 a un 20,3% en 2019 y se proyecta que aumente a un 31,3% para 2100. Asistimos además a un proceso de envejecimiento de la población mayor, con una proporción de personas muy mayores (aquellas de 80 años y más) en la población total de la Unión Europea del 5,8% en 2019 . España es uno de los países con una mayor proporción de personas mayores, con un porcentaje de ciudadanos de 65 años o más en 2020 del 19,6% del total de la población, y con una proyección del 26,5% para 2035. Casi un tercio de esta población (6%) tienen 80 años o más.

[Lessons learnt from COVID-19 surveillance. Urgent need for a new public health surveillance. SESPAS Report 2022]. / Lecciones de la vigilancia de la COVID-19. Necesidad urgente de una nueva vigilancia en salud pública. Informe SESPAS 2022.

In this article we provide the most important epidemiological aspects in the first phases of the pandemic and some preliminary reflections from the Coordinating Centre for Health Alerts and Emergencies, the unit that has coordinated surveillance at the national level. COVID-19 has brought to light the weaknesses in the surveillance system and how difficult it is to manage a health crisis in the absence of a robust public health structure. The commitment of public health professionals during this epidemic has made up for the lack of resources in many occasions, and has evidenced the need to incorporate new professional profiles to surveillance teams. The need to rapidly adapt has achieved an improvement in existing systems and the development of new tools and new systems. These need to turn into structural changes that improve the quality of surveillance, decreasing territorial gaps and ensuring a better and coordinated response to future health crises. It is urgent to incorporate tools for process automation and to grant timely availability of data. To that end, public health and epidemiological surveillance must participate in the process of digital development within the National Health System. Profound changes are needed in public health surveillance, which has to be integrated in all healthcare levels. It is also important to strengthen the capacity for analysis by promoting alliances and joint actions. During this alert, the importance of coordination in public health in a decentralized country has been evident. At international level, it is necessary to review the tools to share data to coordinate an alert from the early stages.

Epidemiologic Features and Control Measures during Monkeypox Outbreak, Spain, June 2022.

During June 2022, Spain was one of the countries most affected worldwide by a multicountry monkeypox outbreak with chains of transmission without identified links to disease-endemic countries. We provide epidemiologic features of cases reported in Spain and the coordinated measures taken to respond to this outbreak.

[The impact of COVID-19 on sick leave of the persons working in nursing homes in Spain. Usefulness of sick leave for the surveillance of the pandemic evolution.] / El impacto de la Covid-19 en la incapacidad temporal de las personas que trabajan en centros socio-sanitarios en España. Utilidad de la incapacidad temporal para el seguimiento de la evolución de la pandemia.

OBJECTIVE: The nursing homes represented high-risk settings for SARS-CoV-2 infection, both for residents and for the employees. The COVID-19 impact on long-term care facilities (LTCFs) is evaluated, measured through the employees sick leave (SL). The pandemic evolution in the general population aged between 16 and 65 years was analyzed together with the sick leave to assess the latter as a complementary indicator of the SARS-CoV-2 surveillance. METHODS: A descriptive study of all sick leave processes due to COVID-19 recorded between February 15th 2020 and May 1st 2021 in nursing homes was carried out. The close contact sick leave/infection sick leave ratios, the 100,000 affiliated/occupied sick leave rates were computed and compared with the COVID-19 cases cumulative incidence notified to the National Network of epidemiological Surveillance (RENAVE). RESULTS: 261.892 SL processes were recorded. The close contact sick leave/infection sick leave median ratio in nursing homes was 1.8 (Interquartile range, ICR: 1.1-3.3), with values lower than 1 at certain periods. The infection sick leaves were higher in number and ratio and prior to the cases recorded in RENAVE. The sick leave ratio ranged between 81.679/100.000 occupied in nursing homes with medical care and 4.895/100.000 in other residential facilities. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirmed the dramatic impact of COVID-19 in nursing homes and the inequalities characterizing this impact. They also confirmed the potential use of sick leave as an alternative source for epidemiological and public health surveillance, especially now, when the transition of the COVID-19 surveillance to a system not including universal individual surveillance is being discussed.

OBJETIVO: Los centros sociosanitarios representaron entornos de alto riesgo de contagio por SARS-CoV-2, tanto para los residentes como para las personas trabajadoras. Se evaluó el impacto en términos de incapacidad temporal (IT) por COVID-19 en las personas que trabajan en centros sociosanitarios y se comparó con la evolución de la pandemia en la población general de 16 a 65 años, para valorar la utilidad de la IT como indicador complementario de la epidemia por SARS-CoV-2. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de todos los procesos de incapacidad temporal por COVID-19 registrados entre el 15 de febrero de 2020 y el 1 de mayo de 2021 en establecimientos residenciales. Se obtuvieron las ratios de incapacidad temporal por contacto estrecho /incapacidad temporal por infección, las tasas de incapacidad temporal por 100.000 afiliados/ocupados y se compararon con la incidencia acumulada de casos COVID-19 notificados a la Red Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica (RENAVE). RESULTADOS: Se registraron 261.892 procesos de incapacidad temporal. La mediana de la ratio de incapacidad temporal por contacto estrecho /incapacidad temporal por infección en residencias fue de 1,8 (Rango intercuartílico, RIC: 1,1-3,3), con valores menores a 1 en periodos. Las IT por infección fueron superiores en número, tasa y anteriores en el tiempo a los casos registrados en RENAVE. Por tipo de residencia, la tasa de incapacidad temporal osciló entre 81.679/100.000 ocupados en asistencia en establecimientos residenciales con cuidados sanitaros y 4.895/100.000 en otros establecimientos residenciales. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados confirmaron el enorme impacto que tuvo la COVID-19 en los centros sociosanitarios y la desigualdad que ha caracterizado este impacto. Apoyan también la posible utilización de la incapacidad temporal como fuente de información alternativa para la vigilancia epidemiológica y de salud pública, lo cual resulta de especial interés en este momento en el que se está planteando una transición en la vigilancia del COVID-19 hacia un sistema que ya no incluya una vigilancia individualizada universal.

El impacto de la COVID-19 en la incapacidad temporal de las personas que trabajan en centro / The impact of COVID-19 on sick leave of the persons working in nursing homes in Spain. Usefulness of sick leave for the surveillance of the pandemic evolution

Fundamentos: Los centros sociosanitarios representaron entornos de alto riesgo de contagio por SARS-CoV-2, tanto para los residentes como para las personas trabajadoras. Se evaluó el impacto en términos de incapacidad temporal (IT) por COVID-19 en las personas que trabajan en centros sociosanitarios y se comparó con la evolución de la pandemia en la población general de 16 a 65 años, para valorar la utilidad de la IT como indicador complementario de la epidemia por SARS-CoV-2. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de todos los procesos de incapacidad temporal por COVID-19 registrados entre el 15 de febrero de 2020 y el 1 de mayo de 2021 en establecimientos residenciales. Se obtuvieron las ratios de incapacidad temporal por contacto estrecho /incapacidad temporal por infección, las tasas de incapacidad temporal por 100.000 afiliados/ocupados y se compararon con la incidencia acumulada de casos COVID-19 notificados a la Red Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica (RENAVE). Resultados: Se registraron 261.892 procesos de incapacidad temporal. La mediana de la ratio de incapacidad temporal por contacto estrecho /incapacidad temporal por infección en residencias fue de 1,8 (Rango intercuartílico, RIC: 1,13,3), con valores menores a 1 en periodos. Las IT por infección fueron superiores en número, tasa y anteriores en el tiempo a los casos registrados en RENAVE. Por tipo de residencia, la tasa de incapacidad temporal osciló entre 81.679/100.000 ocupados en asistencia en establecimientos residenciales con cuidados sanitaros y 4.895/100.000 en otros establecimientos residenciales. Conclusiones: Los resultados confirmaron el enorme impacto que tuvo la COVID-19 en los centros sociosanitarios y la desigualdad que ha caracterizado este impacto.(AU)

Background: The nursing homes represented highrisk settings for SARS-CoV-2 infection, both for residents and for the employees. The COVID-19 impact on longterm care facilities (LTCFs) is evaluated, measured through the emplo yees sick leave (SL). The pandemic evolution in the general population aged between 16 and 65 years was analyzed together with the sick leave to assess the latter as a complementary indicator of the SARS-CoV-2 surveillance. Methods: A descriptive study of all sick leave processes due to COVID-19 recorded between February 15th 2020 and May 1st 2021 in nursing homes was carried out. The close contact sick leave/infection sick leave ratios, the 100,000 affiliated/occupied sick leave rates were computed and compared with the COVID-19 cases cumulative incidence notified to the National Network of epidemiological Surveillance (RENAVE). Results: 261.892 SL processes were recorded. The close contact sick leave/infection sick leave median ratio in nursing homes was 1.8 (Interquartile range, ICR: 1.1-3.3), with values lower than 1 at certain periods. The infection sick leaves were higher in number and ratio and prior to the cases recorded in RENAVE. The sick leave ratio ranged between 81.679/100.000 occupied in nursing homes with medical care and 4.895/100.000 in other residential facilities. Conclusions: The results confirmed the dramatic impact of COVID-19 in nursing homes and the inequalities characterizing this impact. They also confirmed the potential useof sick leave as an alternative source for epidemiological and public health surveillance, especially now, when the transition of the COVID-19 surveillance to a system not including universal individual surveillance is being discussed.(AU)

Mpox (formerly monkeypox) in women: epidemiological features and clinical characteristics of mpox cases in Spain, April to November 2022.

Over 79,000 confirmed cases of mpox were notified worldwide between May and November 2022, most of them in men who have sex with men. Cases in women, for whom mpox might pose different risks, are rare, and Spain has reported more than one third of those in Europe. Using surveillance data, our study found similar time trends, but differences in delay of diagnosis, sexual transmission and signs and symptoms between men and women.

An imported case of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2, Spain in the context of the ongoing polio Public Health Emergency of International Concern, September 2021.

The monthly retrospective search for unreported acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases conducted as a complementary component of the Spanish AFP surveillance system identified a case of AFP in a child admitted in Spain from Senegal during August 2021. Vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 was identified in the stool in September 2021. We present public health implications and response undertaken within the framework of the National Action Plan for Polio Eradication and the Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

[COVID-19 outbreaks in occupational settings in Spain, one year of follow-up (June 2020-June 2021).] / Brotes de COVID-19 en el ámbito laboral en España, un año de seguimiento (junio 2020-junio 2021).

COVID-19 outbreak surveillance in Spain was established with the main objective of characterizing outbreaks and the settings in which they occurred, in order to identify those population groups at highest risk to support them with the implementation of preventive and control measures. Between June 2020 and June 2021, 55,824 outbreaks were reported, with 414,882 cases in all settings. About 12.5% were reported in an occupational setting and within this, most of them were identified in the industry and building sectors. The outbreaks that had a greater impact were those that took place both in agriculture and in the meat industry, where there is a higher risk of exposure due to living and working conditions. Outbreaks in the catering and home care sectors were also frequent. Since the beginning, there was coordination between all stakeholders involved in the management of the pandemic, in order to implement prevention and control measures, as well as social protection measures. In addition, special actions were implemented in the most vulnerable sectors. Despite the work carried out, the presence of outbreaks in these sectors continues, although they are smaller than the previous pandemic phase. Due to this, there is needed to continue strengthening the inter-sectoral coordination structures and mechanisms to ensure the implementation of those measures that contribute to the containment of the pandemic.

La vigilancia de brotes COVID-19 en España se estableció con el objetivo de caracterizar los brotes y los ámbitos en los que ocurrían, con el propósito de identificar aquellos grupos de población con mayor riesgo para apoyar la toma de medidas de prevención y control. Entre junio de 2020 y junio de 2021 se comunicaron 55.824 brotes con 414.882 casos en todos los ámbitos. Alrededor del 12,5% de brotes y casos asociados fueron comunicados en el ámbito laboral y dentro de éste, la mayoría se identificó en los sectores de la industria y construcción, si bien, entre los brotes que han tenido un mayor impacto se encuentran aquellos producidos en el sector agrícola y en la industria de la carne, donde existe un mayor riesgo de exposición debido a las condiciones de vida y trabajo. También destacaron los brotes en el sector de la restauración y hostelería, y cuidados a domicilio. Desde el inicio hubo una coordinación entre las administraciones implicadas en la gestión de la pandemia para poner en marcha las medidas de prevención y control, así como las de protección social. Además, se llevaron a cabo medidas especiales en sectores de mayor vulnerabilidad. A pesar del trabajo realizado, los brotes en estos sectores continúan ocurriendo, si bien son de menor tamaño, por lo que se deben continuar fortaleciendo las estructuras y mecanismos de coordinación intersectoriales para la aplicación de las medidas que contribuyen además de la contención de la pandemia, a mantener activo el tejido productivo.

Unprecedented increase of West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease, Spain, summer 2020.

Cases of West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) in Spain increased in summer 2020. Here we report on this increase and the local, regional and national public health measures taken in response. We analysed data from regional surveillance networks and the National Epidemiological Surveillance Network, both for human and animal West Nile virus (WNV) infection. During the 2020 season, a total of 77 human cases of WNV infection (median age 65 years; 60% males) were detected in the south-west of Spain; 72 (94%) of these cases developed WNND, presenting as meningoencephalitis, seven of which were fatal. In the previous two decades, only six human cases of WNND were detected in Spain. Reduced activities for vector control this season, together with other factors, might have contributed to the massive increase. Public health measures including vector control, campaigns to raise awareness among physicians and the general population, and interventions to ensure the safety of donations of blood products, organs, cells and tissues were effective to reduce transmission. Going forward, maintenance of vector control activities and an update of the vector-borne diseases response plan in Spain is needed.

First cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the WHO European Region, 24 January to 21 February 2020.

In the WHO European Region, COVID-19 surveillance was implemented 27 January 2020. We detail the first European cases. As at 21 February, nine European countries reported 47 cases. Among 38 cases studied, 21 were linked to two clusters in Germany and France, 14 were infected in China. Median case age was 42 years; 25 were male. Late detection of the clusters' index cases delayed isolation of further local cases. As at 5 March, there were 4,250 cases.

Characterization of the first autochthonous dengue outbreak in Spain (August-September 2018).

On October 3rd 2018, dengue virus (DENV) infection was confirmed in three family members (symptoms onset between August 18th and 27th) without travel history outside of Spain. They had been together in the Autonomous Communities (AC) of Murcia and Andalusia. By the end of October, a second cluster of two dengue cases (symptoms onset on September 27th and 30th) was confirmed in the AC of Murcia. DENV type 1 sequence was identical to the first cluster, and the epidemiological link was a visit from a case of the first cluster to a fruit-farm neighboring the small village of residence of the second cluster. The entomological investigation found Aedes albopictus activity in this area although all mosquitoes were PCR-negative for DENV. This is the first autochthonous dengue outbreak identified in Spain. This outbreak highlights challenges to timely detect and respond to DENV transmission and opens questions on dengue dynamics in a non-endemic context.

Imported dengue in Spain: a nationwide analysis with predictive time series analyses.

BACKGROUND: Of febrile illnesses in Europe, dengue is second only to malaria as a cause of travellers being hospitalized. Local transmission has been reported in several European countries, including Spain. This study assesses the evolution of dengue-related admissions in Spain in terms of time, geographical distribution and individuals' common characteristics; it also creates a predictive model to evaluate the risk of local transmission. METHODS: This is a retrospective study using the Hospital Discharge Records Database from 1997 to 2016. We calculated hospitalization rates and described clinical characteristics. Spatial distribution and temporal behaviour were also assessed, and a predictive time series model was created to estimate expected cases in the near future. Figures for resident foreign population, Spanish residents' trips to endemic regions and the expansion of Aedes albopictus were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 588 dengue-related admissions were recorded: 49.6% were women, and the mean age was 34.3 years. One person died (0.2%), 82% presented with mild-to-moderate dengue and 7-8% with severe dengue. We observed a trend of steady and consistent increase in incidence (P < 0.05), in parallel with the increase in trips to dengue-endemic regions. Most admissions occurred during the summer, showing significant seasonality with 3-year peaks. We also found important regional differences. According to the predictive time series analysis, a continuing increase in imported dengue incidence can be expected in the near future, which, in the worst case scenario (upper 95% confidence interval), would mean an increase of 65% by 2025. CONCLUSION: We present a nationwide study based on hospital, immigration, travel and entomological data. The constant increase in dengue-related hospitalizations, in combination with wider vector distribution, could imply a higher risk of autochthonous dengue transmission in the years to come. Strengthening the human and vector surveillance systems is a necessity, as are improvements in control measures, in the education of the general public and in fostering their collaboration in order to reduce the impact of imported dengue and to prevent the occurrence of autochthonous cases.

[Zika virus epidemic. The Public Health response in Spain]. / Epidemia por virus Zika. Respuesta desde la salud púbica en España.

By mid-2015, an increase in the number of cases of microcephaly among newborns and neurologic disorders was detected in the Northwest of Brazil, which was possibly associated with Zika virus infection. Later on, this phenomenon was also observed in several Latin-American countries. In February 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) on this basis, declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. From that moment on, several measures were adopted to achieve the epidemic control at both international and national levels. The WHO launched a strategic response plan based on case detection, infection control and treatment, as well as, the research and development of new vector control tools, diagnostic tests and vaccines. In Europe both surveillance and vector control systems were reinforced. The countries reporting most cases were France, Spain and the United Kingdom. In Spain, due to the high probability of case importation based on the close relationships with Latin-America, numerous measures were adopted to achieve a rapid response and an optimal control. Those included: the implementation of an active surveillance in collaboration with several experts, institutions and scientific societies; entomologic surveillance enhancement; the development of communication activities and recommendations for both healthcare workers and general population.

A mediados del 2015 se detectó en el noroeste de Brasil un incremento en el número de casos de microcefalia en recién nacidos y de alteraciones neurológicas, que se asociaron con una posible infección por el virus Zika y que más adelante comenzaría a observarse en otros países de Latinoamérica. En febrero de 2016 la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) declaró esta situación como una Emergencia de Salud Pública de Importancia Internacional (ESPII) y desde ese momento se llevaron a cabo numerosas medidas para el control de la epidemia tanto a nivel internacional, como nacional en los diferentes países. La OMS lanzó un Plan de respuesta estratégico basado en la detección de casos, control de la infección y tratamiento, así como en la investigación y desarrollo de herramientas para el control de mosquitos, test diagnósticos y vacunas. En Europa se reforzaron los sistemas de vigilancia así como de control de los vectores, siendo los países que más casos notificaron: Francia, España y el Reino Unido. En España debido a la alta probabilidad de importación de casos por la estrecha relación con Latinoamérica, se llevaron a cabo numerosas medidas que permitieron una rápida respuesta y un óptimo control, que incluyeron: la puesta en marcha de una vigilancia activa en la que colaboraron diversos profesionales, organismos y sociedades científicas; el refuerzo de actividades de vigilancia entomológica; el desarrollo de actividades de comunicación y la elaboración de recomendaciones dirigidas a profesionales sanitarios y a la población general.