‘Flu epidemic strengthens across Latvia / Article

In Latvia, the incidence of influenza is increasing rapidly in all age groups, according to data from the Disease Prevention and Control Center (SPKC).

Last week, 518 patients were clinically diagnosed with influenza in monitoring institutions, and the average incidence rate reached 746 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, which is 2.2 times more than in the previous week. The incidence rate of influenza has almost reached the maximum incidence rate of the previous season.

The SPKC said that influenza viruses were confirmed in 24.3% of the examined respiratory samples and that the virus is prevalent nationwide.

Last week, the proportion of patients with symptoms of respiratory infections in outpatient medical institutions accounted for 24% of all doctors’ visits. In monitoring institutions, influenza was clinically diagnosed in 518 patients, and the average incidence rate reached 746.0 cases per 100,000 population, which is 2.2 times more than in the previous week. The intensity of influenza has almost reached the maximum incidence rate in the previous season – 766.5 per 100,000 population. 

The increase in morbidity has been observed in all age groups, however, the highest morbidity, as usual, was registered in children under 14 years of age. 

The highest influenza intensity was observed in Jelgava, as evidenced by lower attendance at educational institutions, however, high morbidity rates also persist in other territories, indicating the widespread and rapid spread of influenza throughout the country. 

The proportion of hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory infections continued to increase in hospitals in week 50 (6.3%). Of the hospitalized patients, almost half (45%) were seniors aged 65 and over, indicating a more severe course of influenza infection in at-risk individuals. Among inpatients tested, influenza was confirmed in approximately one in four patients (26%) with severe acute respiratory infection. 

Last week, the first flu-related death of this season was recorded – an unvaccinated patient in the age group over 80 with multiple chronic diseases died. 

Meanwhile, the Covid-19 situation remains relatively stable – the proportion of positive tests has slightly decreased to 5.6%. 30 Covid-19 patients have been admitted to hospitals, and a total of 62 patients with confirmed Covid-19 infection have been treated in hospitals. Two deaths have been recorded in patients with Covid-19 infection. 

 

Tell us about a mistake