More Municipalities on the Brink of Epidemic
The National Public Health Centre under the Ministry of Health (NPHC) informs that last week (28 November – 4 December) the overall incidence rate of influenza, acute respiratory infections (ARI) and COVID-19 (coronavirus infection) climbed to 1577.4 cases per 100,000. The week before (21-27 November) the incidence rate was 1169.9 cases per 100,000.
In weeks 48 and 49, the number of cases of each of the diseases (influenza, acute respiratory syndrome, and COVID-19) increased significantly.
The lowest incidence rate of influenza, acute respiratory infections and COVID-19 at the end of last week was reported in Utena County, whereas the highest in Kaunas County followed by Kėdainiai district (2949.72 cases/100,000) and Kazlų Rūda (2774.04 cases/100,000). The epidemic level of morbidity was reached in 22 Municipalities, compared to 8 the week before.
Data on incidence of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 disease in Counties
Over the period of 5-11 December , 97 individuals (71 of whom aged 0-17 years) were hospitalized due to flu; 6 individuals (3 of whom aged 2-17 years) were treated in intensive care units, whereas over the period 28 November – 4 December, 38 persons (26 of whom underage) were hospitalized.
According to the data from the National Public Health Laboratory, in week 48 /2022 a total of 611 specimens were obtained from patients with symptoms of ARI, of which 143 specimens were positive for influenza A virus, and 146 were positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The number of cases of influenza and RSV infection is currently rising not only in Lithuania, but throughout the EU. This year, the flu season started earlier in the country than before COVID-19 pandemic. The flu season this year came on early in the southern hemisphere as well.
Seasonal incidence of influenza and acute respiratory infections in Lithuania since 2019
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), for week 48/2022 in Europe out of 51,917 specimens obtained for detection of the influenza virus 4,545 were positive (type A influenza accounted for 96 %, type B – for 4 %).
European weekly data on influenza virus detections by type, season 2022/2023
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For more information visit https://flunewseurope.org/VirusCharacteristics
NPHC specialists remind that vaccination against flu is given throughout the flu season. It takes two weeks to develop immunity. You should contact your family doctor for vaccinations.
In order to prevent flu and colds, it is also important to follow hygiene rules: when coughing and sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue (you can cover it with a handkerchief or a bent elbow); always wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, especially with unclean hands; wet-clean and ventilate the premises regularly. It is recommended wearing masks or respirators in closed public places (shops, churches, etc.), public transport and any crowded places.
Last updated: 17-05-2023
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