24-01-2023

Incidence in Lithuania has not Reached Epidemic Level for Two Weeks in a Row

The National Public Health Centre under the Ministry of Health (NPHC) informs that the total incidence rate of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and COVID-19 has been decreasing further. Last week (16-22 January), the total incidence rate was 762.8 cases per 100,000 population compared to 882.8 cases per 100 thousand population a week before (9-15 January).

The comparison of the data received over the last week and the week before shows a declining trend in influenza and ARI, whereas the number of reported COVID-19 cases increased.

Last week, the lowest incidence rate of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 was reported in Marijampolė County, whereas the highest in Kaunas County. For the second week in a row, not a single Municipality in the country reached the epidemic level, i.e. 1500 cases/100,000 population.

Last week, the highest incidence rates were reported in Visaginas (1130.75 cases/100,000), Ukmergės District – 1067.92 cases/100,000) and Vilnius District (1013.55 cases/100,000).

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

Over the period of 16–22 January, 25 people were hospitalised due to influenza, majority of whom (22 patients) were children under 17, and 1 pregnant woman.

Last week, 1 individual aged 50-59 died. He was not vaccinated against seasonal flu and had coinfections. A total of 12 deaths from influenza have been reported in the country this flu season so far.

According to the data from the National Public Health Laboratory, in the second week of this year, a total of 445 specimens were obtained from patients with symptoms of ARI, most of which (76 specimens) were positive for influenza A virus, 5 for influenza type B virus, and 52 for respiratory syncytial virus.

Seasonal incidence of influenza and acute respiratory infections in Lithuania since 2017

According to European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), for week 2/2023 in Europe, 10 894 of 78 699 specimens tested positive for an influenza virus; 86% were type A and 14% were type B.

European weekly data on influenza virus detections by type, season 2022/2023

For more information visit https://flunewseurope.org/VirusCharacteristics

We're only halfway through the flu season, therefore it is important to maintain good standards of hygiene:

When coughing and sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue (you can cover it with a handkerchief or a bent elbow)
Regularly wash your hands with soap and water or use disinfectants, especially after coughing or sneezing
Regularly wet clean and ventilate the premises
If you feel flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, headache, joint pain, etc.), contact your family doctor.

Last updated: 17-05-2023

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