In relation to what is expected for this time of year, a 16% increase in mortality was recorded, says the Department of Epidemiology of the National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), adding that this period coincided with “the increase in flu activity, which this year occurred earlier than usual in Portugal, which could help explain the increase in mortality observed”.

According to the INSA analysis, excess mortality was found in people over 75 years of age.

At a geographical level, the highest number of deaths occurred in the North, Lisbon and Vale do Tejo and Centre regions.

“The evolution of mortality over time depends on the aging of the population and other factors that condition its vulnerability, as well as extrinsic factors, such as the occurrence of specific and/or seasonal climacteric or epidemiological phenomena, which affect mainly groups in a vulnerable situation”, explains the institute.

Within the scope of its attributions and functions, INSA carries out daily surveillance of mortality to identify and quantify any excess mortality, issuing alerts to the health authorities whenever unexpected increases in mortality are observed.