26 Municipalities Have Reached Epidemic Levels: If You Fall Ill, Stay at Home

The number of cases of influenza, acute upper respiratory infections (ARIs) and COVID-19 was increased further during the week, according to the latest data. In week 49 of the year (4-10 December), the overall incidence of the diseases was 1720.5 cases per 100 000 population, compared to 1603.0 cases per 100 000 population in week 48 (27 November-3 December). The lowest incidence rate last week was registered in Utena County, while the highest rate remained in Vilnius County.

26 Municipalities crossed the epidemic level of morbidity, defined as more than 1 500 cases per 100 000 population. However, no Municipalities have declared an epidemic so far. The assessment of the epidemiological situation is based on a comprehensive assessment of influenza, COVID-19 and other ARIs. Additional criteria, such as hospital admissions, resuscitation and intensive care bed occupancy due to influenza and/or COVID-19, are taken into account when deciding whether to declare an epidemic.

Last week, 27 people were hospitalised in the country due to influenza: 14 children (aged 0-17), 1 person aged 18-64 and 12 people aged 65+. 1 person (aged >65 years) was treated in intensive care units.

Data on incidence of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 in Counties

According to the National Public Health Care Laboratory, a total of 86 specimens were taken from patients with symptoms of ARI in week 48 /2023, 3 of which tested positive for type A virus and 4 for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).  

According to the European Respiratory Virus Surveillance Summary (ERVISS), by the end of week 48 (ending 3 December 2023), rates of influenza-like illness (ILI) and/or acute respiratory infection (ARI) are elevated above baseline levels in 15 of 34 countries and areas of the WHO European Region. While there is variation across countries, at the Regional level, influenza activity remains low but has been increasing over the past 4 weeks; SARS-CoV-2 activity remains at elevated but stable levels and RSV activity continues to rise.

The number of severe cases of COVID-19 requiring hospitalisation is highest among those aged 65 years and older.
In Europe, the incidence of RSV continues to rise, especially in the 0-4 age group.

Stay at home when sick

The NPHC experts urge the residents to follow hygiene rules carefully to protect against colds: cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing (you can use a tissue or a bent elbow); wash your hands regularly with soap (for at least 20-30 seconds); avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, especially with unclean hands; and wet clean and ventilate your rooms frequently; in enclosed public spaces (places of service, houses of worship, public transport and other closed places with poor ventilation, and large numbers of people where it is difficult to maintain a safe distance) it is recommended to wear medical face masks or respirators.
NPHC specialists encourage people to work remotely if possible. If you have symptoms and have taken the COVID-19 test but the result was negative, we urge you not to attend holiday work parties, as it is likely that you may have another infection, such as influenza or RSV.
If you have not got your vaccine yet, you still have a possibility to get vaccinated, and do so at one visit to your doctor. Getting both vaccines is especially recommended for people at greater risk. 208,694 people at risk have been vaccinated with the seasonal flu vaccine since September at public expense. As of 5 October, 48 032 people have been vaccinated with COVID-19.

Last updated: 13-12-2023

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