Influenza Hospital Admissions Rise Despite Decline in Illness Cases
According to the data acquired by the National Public Health Centre (NPHC), in Lithuania, the overall incidence of influenza, acute upper respiratory infections (ARIs) and COVID-19 in Lithuania in week 14 (1-7 April) decreased to 815.6 cases / 100 000 population compared to 1218.8 cases /100 000 population in week 13 (25-31 March).
The lowest overall incidence rate in week 14 was recorded in Utena County, whereas the highest remained in Vilnius County. No Municipality in Lithuania crossed the epidemic threshold of 1 500 cases / 100 000 inhabitants compared to 3 such Municipalities a week before. To date, no Municipality has declared an epidemic.
Last week, 29 people were hospitalised due to influenza in Lithuania: 18 children (0-17 years) and 11 people aged 65+. 2 persons over 65 years of age were treated in intensive care units. The number of hospital admissions was 26 the week before. No deaths due to influenza were recorded last week. A total of 25 influenza deaths have been reported this season.
Data on the incidence of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 in Counties
nistracinės teritorijos (apskritys) | 13 sav. (2024 m. kovo 25–31 d.) | 14 sav. (2024 m. balandžio 1–7 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 | 18 | 1320 | 10 | 1348 | 994,0 | 12 | 882 | 3 | 897 | 661,4 |
Kauno | 94 | 7213 | 49 | 7356 | 1268,5 | 60 | 4878 | 25 | 4963 | 855,8 |
Klaipėdos | 118 | 3713 | 13 | 3844 | 1149,9 | 50 | 2312 | 10 | 2372 | 709,6 |
Marijampolės | 26 | 1697 | 6 | 1729 | 1273,3 | 20 | 1131 | 8 | 1159 | 853,5 |
Panevėžio | 32 | 1895 | 13 | 1940 | 917,8 | 19 | 1289 | 9 | 1317 | 623,1 |
Šiaulių | 52 | 3080 | 14 | 3146 | 1191,4 | 21 | 2025 | 7 | 2053 | 777,5 |
Tauragės | 13 | 931 | 6 | 950 | 1048,4 | 13 | 577 | 5 | 595 | 656,6 |
Telšių | 21 | 1316 | 10 | 1347 | 1024,7 | 3 | 907 | 5 | 915 | 696,1 |
Utenos | 11 | 1143 | 3 | 1157 | 922,2 | 6 | 739 | 3 | 748 | 596,2 |
Vilniaus | 212 | 11730 | 66 | 12008 | 1414,8 | 133 | 8106 | 47 | 8286 | 976,3 |
Iš viso Lietuvoje | 597 | 34038 | 190 | 34825 | 1218,8 | 337 | 22846 | 122 | 23305 | 815,6 |
According to the National Public Health Laboratory, in week 13 /2024, a total of 123 samples were taken from patients with symptoms of ARI, of which 9 samples tested positive for influenza type A virus, 3 samples tested positive for influenza B virus and 4 samples tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Incidence of influenza, COVID-19 and ARI in Lithuania during flu season since 2017
According to the European Respiratory Virus Surveillance Network (ERVISS), at the end of week 13 respiratory activity continues to decrease and has returned to baseline levels in most EU/EEA countries. This season, influenza activity started to decrease earlier than in previous influenza seasons.
Specialists repeatedly highlight the importance of hygiene rules to protect against ARI. Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, especially with unclean hands, ventilate and wet clean rooms frequently, observe the coughing and sneezing etiquette, and stay away from sneezing and coughing people. If you experience cold like symptoms (sore throat or headache, stuffy or runny nose, etc.), stay at home and consult your family doctor.
Last updated: 08-04-2024
Related news:
NPHC Recommendations to Residents Regarding the Fire in Šilutė
Preliminary Overview of the 2025–2026 Influenza Season
Flu Season Is Ending: Incidence Rates Lower Than at the Same Time Last Year
Respiratory infection morbidity is decreasing
NPHC Provides Guidance on How toAct When Air Pollution Increases