Incidence Is Gradually Decreasing
According to the data in possession of the National Public Health Centre (NPHC), the overall incidence of influenza, acute upper respiratory infections (ARIs) and COVID-19 in Lithuania is decreasing for the fifth week in a row. In week 11 (11-17 March), the incidence of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 decreased to 1029.6 cases / 100 000 population compared to 1125.1 cases / 100 000 population in the previous week (4-10 March).
The lowest incidence of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 was registered in Utena County, while the highest incidence is still registered in Vilnius County. No Municipality in Lithuania has crossed the epidemic threshold of 1 500 cases / 100 000 inhabitants, as was the case the week before.
Last week, 30 people were hospitalised with influenza in the country: 16 children (0-17 years), 2 persons aged 18-64, 12 persons aged 65+ and one pregnant woman. 2 persons were treated in intensive care unit, including 1 child.
In week 11 of the year, two deaths due to influenza were registered (in Vilnius and Kaunas Counties). The persons belonged to the age groups 70-79 and 60-69. Neither of them was vaccinated against seasonal influenza and both had chronic diseases. A total of 25 influenza deaths were registered this season. A similar number of deaths (26 deaths) was registered in the 2018-2019 influenza season.
Data on the incidence of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 in Counties
Administracinės teritorijos (apskritys) | 10 sav. (2024 m. kovo 4–10 d.) | 11 sav. (2024 m. kovo 11–17 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 | 91 | 1145 | 14 | 1250 | 921,7 | 50 | 1143 | 8 | 1201 | 885,6 |
Kauno | 331 | 6289 | 37 | 6657 | 1148,0 | 199 | 5841 | 42 | 6082 | 1048,8 |
Klaipėdos | 112 | 3315 | 13 | 3440 | 1029,1 | 97 | 3109 | 16 | 3222 | 963,9 |
Marijampolės | 59 | 1399 | 8 | 1466 | 1079,6 | 29 | 1377 | 11 | 1417 | 1043,5 |
Panevėžio | 150 | 1711 | 13 | 1874 | 886,6 | 95 | 1559 | 11 | 1665 | 787,7 |
Šiaulių | 143 | 2695 | 17 | 2855 | 1081,2 | 87 | 2651 | 13 | 2751 | 1041,8 |
Tauragės | 40 | 687 | 10 | 737 | 813,3 | 25 | 663 | 13 | 701 | 773,6 |
Telšių | 23 | 1046 | 4 | 1073 | 816,3 | 28 | 999 | 3 | 1030 | 783,6 |
Utenos | 41 | 1079 | 3 | 1123 | 895,1 | 21 | 877 | 11 | 909 | 724,5 |
Vilniaus | 518 | 11043 | 110 | 11671 | 1375,1 | 388 | 9942 | 110 | 10440 | 1230,1 |
Iš viso Lietuvoje | 1508 | 30409 | 229 | 32146 | 1125,1 | 1019 | 28161 | 238 | 29418 | 1029,6 |
According to the data from National Public Health Care Laboratory, in week 10 of the year, a total of 84 samples were taken from patients with symptoms of ARI, of which 29 tested positive for influenza type A virus, 9 tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and 1 tested positive for influenza B virus.
Incidence of influenza, COVID-19 and ARI in Lithuania during flu season since 2017.
According to the European Respiratory Virus Surveillance Network (ERVISS), all indicators pointed to elevated, but decreasing influenza activity in the EU/EEA for four consecutive weeks. Most countries report moderate to low influenza intensity. The situation in Lithuania is similar to that in other countries.
The number of cases of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 is decreasing week by week, but the influenza season continue for two more months (until week 20 of this year), so it is still important to remember to observe the rules of personal hygiene, coughing and sneezing etiquette. Wash your hands as often as possible, avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with viruses, and ventilate and wet clean the rooms frequently. If you experience cold-like symptoms (sore throat or headache, stuffy or runny nose, etc.), stay at home or work from home, and contact your family doctor.
Last updated: 20-03-2024
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