Portugal opens health inquiry into six flu outbreak deaths at Estremoz nursing home
Portugal's health inspectorate opened an inquiry on Wednesday into the response to an influenza A outbreak that killed six elderly residents of a care home in Veiros, Estremoz.
Portugal's General Inspectorate of Health Activities (IGAS) initiated an inquiry on Wednesday to assess the care and organizational response provided to residents of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Veiros nursing home in Estremoz, Évora district. The investigation follows an influenza A outbreak that resulted in six deaths among residents. The inquiry examines clinical monitoring, infection prevention and control, hospital referral protocols, and coordination between the care home and regional health authorities.
The local health unit, Unidade Local de Saúde do Alentejo Central (ULSAC), confirmed on Tuesday the death of a hospitalized resident infected with the Influenza A virus, bringing the total death toll to six. Four residents died in the hospital and two died at the nursing home. ULSAC stated that its Public Health Department continues epidemiological monitoring at the facility, overseeing isolation measures, hygiene protocols, infection control, and the use of personal protective equipment. The Public Prosecution Service (PGR) has also opened a separate investigation into the fatalities, with no suspects formally named so far.
