Decrease in Municipalities Approaching Epidemic Level
According to the data acquired by the National Public Health Centre, the overall incidence rate of influenza, acute upper respiratory tract infections (AURTI), and COVID-19 (coronavirus infection) from March 10 to 16 (week 11 of this year) decreased compared to the previous week, reaching 1454.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (week 10 had 1776.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). Last season, during the same period (week 11 of 2024), it was lower (1029.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants).
The lowest incidence rate remained in Panevėžys County, while the highest was in the Vilnius County. Epidemic-level incidence was reached in 12 Municipalities (exceeding 1500 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). The epidemiological situation is constantly monitored, and communication is ongoing with Municipalities. If necessary, it would primarily be recommended to declare an epidemic at the Municipal level. To date, no Municipality has declared an epidemic. It is important to note that when making the decision to declare an epidemic, additional criteria (such as hospital, intensive care, and intensive therapy bed occupancy due to influenza and/or COVID-19) are also taken into account.
In week 11 of this year, 108 individuals were hospitalized due to influenza, and 15 due to COVID-19. Five individuals were treated in intensive care units for influenza and COVID-19. There were 4 deaths due to influenza (a total of 62 this season): the individuals were in the 30–39, 50–59, 80–89, and over 90 age groups. All had chronic diseases and were not vaccinated against seasonal influenza. No deaths due to COVID-19 were recorded (a total of 55 this season).
How to Protect Yourself and Others?
- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly; if washing is not possible, use hand sanitizer.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Ventilate rooms frequently and clean them with a damp cloth.
- When sneezing or coughing, cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue. Dispose of used tissues in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve (preferably the elbow). If you covered your mouth and nose with your palm, immediately wash your hands.
- If you are sick, stay at home and consult a doctor.
- If you are sick, it is recommended to wear a medical mask or respirator to help contain respiratory secretions when coughing or sneezing.
One can get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 throughout the flu season. Vaccination is the most effective protection against influenza and its complications. Vaccination can be done throughout the flu season, especially recommended for people in risk groups. Residents can receive COVID-19 vaccines at any healthcare institution. Seasonal influenza vaccines are provided free of charge only to people in risk groups and only at the healthcare facility where they are registered.
It should also be noted that healthcare and social care institutions, depending on their infrastructure and resources, may apply stricter infection control requirements related to patient flow management, the wearing of personal protective equipment, restrictions on the duration of visits or the number of visitors, and more.
Incidence Data for Influenza, AURTI, and COVID-19 by County:
stracinės teritorijos (apskritys) | 10 sav. (2025 m. kovo 3–9 d.) | 11 sav. (2025 m. kovo 10–16 d.) | ||||||||
Gripo atvejų skaičius | ŪVKTI atvejų skaičius | COVID-19 ligos atvejų skaičius | Suminis (gripo, ŪVKTI ir COVID-19 ligos) atvejų skaičius | Suminis rodiklis (gripo, ŪVKTI ir COVID-19 ligos atvejų skaičius 100 tūkst. gyventojų) | Gripo atvejų skaičius | ŪVKTI atvejų skaičius | COVID-19 ligos atvejų skaičius | Suminis (gripo, ŪVKTI ir COVID-19 ligos) atvejų skaičius | Suminis rodiklis (gripo, ŪVKTI ir COVID-19 ligos atvejų skaičius 100 tūkst. gyventojų) | |
Alytaus | 406 | 1630 | 26 | 2062 | 1536,7 | 420 | 1317 | 19 | 1756 | 1308,7 |
Kauno | 1916 | 9156 | 106 | 11178 | 1909,4 | 1663 | 7047 | 77 | 8787 | 1500,9 |
Klaipėdos | 908 | 4786 | 31 | 5725 | 1684,7 | 733 | 3681 | 16 | 4430 | 1303,6 |
Marijampolės | 315 | 1762 | 14 | 2091 | 1552,8 | 239 | 1455 | 16 | 1710 | 1269,8 |
Panevėžio | 435 | 2465 | 10 | 2910 | 1391,7 | 340 | 1945 | 1 | 2286 | 1093,3 |
Šiaulių | 550 | 3693 | 50 | 4293 | 1609,1 | 451 | 3221 | 31 | 3703 | 1387,9 |
Tauragės | 178 | 1177 | 9 | 1364 | 1506,6 | 150 | 891 | 2 | 1043 | 1152,1 |
Telšių | 431 | 1739 | 7 | 2177 | 1662,9 | 373 | 1401 | 2 | 1776 | 1356,6 |
Utenos | 325 | 1568 | 5 | 1898 | 1504,1 | 286 | 1255 | 4 | 1545 | 1224,3 |
Vilniaus | 2769 | 14670 | 130 | 17569 | 2023,5 | 2546 | 12283 | 108 | 14937 | 1720,4 |
Iš viso Lietuvoje | 8233 | 42646 | 388 | 51267 | 1776,5 | 7201 | 34496 | 276 | 41973 | 1454,4 |
Situation in Europe
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) data for week 10 of this year, the incidence of AURTI remains high. Older adults over 65 years of age are more severely affected by influenza and COVID-19, while children under 5 years old are more severely affected by respiratory syncytial virus infections.
The number of patients being hospitalized is decreasing. Currently, both A and B types of influenza viruses are circulating, with equal numbers of both A and B viruses registered in week 10 of this year.
The activity of respiratory syncytial virus remains high in the EU/EEA countries, but varies across different countries.
COVID-19 activity remains low.
Last updated: 17-03-2025
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