NPHC: COVID-19 Trend Continues to Go Down but Epidemic Levels Reported in 35 Municipalities

According to the data acquired by the National Public Health Centre (NPHC), in week 6 of this year (5-11 February) the cumulative incidence rate of influenza, acute upper respiratory infections (ARIs) and COVID-19 (coronavirus infection) increased in the country to 1809.5 cases/ 100 000 population compared to 1,783.1 cases/ 100 000 population in week 5 of this year (29 January to 4 February). The number of cases of influenza and ARI remained similar, while the number of cases of COVID-19 decreased.

Last week, the highest rates of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 were registered in the Municipalities of Marijampolė, Kazlų Rūda and Pagėgiai. Epidemic level, i.e. the threshold of 1500 cases per 100 000 population, was reached in 35 Municipalities. To date, no Municipality has declared an epidemic.

 The assessment of the epidemiological situation is based on an integrated assessment of influenza, COVID-19 and other ARIs. Additional criteria, such as the occupancy of hospitals, emergency rooms, and ICU beds due to influenza and/or COVID-19, must also be considered when deciding whether to declare an epidemic. It is also important to consider the situation in personal health care, social care and nursing, and educational institutions. NPHC specialists are constantly monitoring the situation in cooperation with municipal representatives, and propose to announce an epidemic if necessary. The decision to announce an epidemic is made by the mayor of the Municipality.

In week 6/2024, 137 people were hospitalized with influenza in Lithuania: 88 children (0-17 years), 5 people aged 18-64 and 44 people over 65. 10 persons, including 2 children, were treated in intensive care units.

One case of death due to influenza was registered. The person belonged to the age group 60-69 years, had chronic diseases, and was not vaccinated against seasonal influenza. A total of 12 influenza deaths have been recorded this influenza season.

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

According to the data from National Public Health Care Laboratory, in week 5/2024, a total of 192 samples were taken from patients with symptoms of ARI, of which 58 tested positive for influenza type A virus, 1 tested positive for influenza type B virus, and 19 tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).  

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

According to the European Respiratory Virus Surveillance Network (ERVISS), at the end of week 5 (ending 4 February 2024), rates of respiratory illness (influenza-like illness and/or acute respiratory infection) in the community remained elevated and at levels above the baseline in most EU/EEA countries.

Influenza activity started to increase notably in week 50/ 2023. It remains high in most EU/EEA countries, and severe influenza-related illnesses affected all age groups, but the most severe consequences were observed among older people. Both influenza A and B viruses have been detected. Influenza A viruses predominate in most countries, including Lithuania.

Source: https://erviss.org/.

How to protect against ARIs?

Vaccines are the most effective means of prevention, but they are not designed to prevent all ARIs, vaccines against influenza and COVID-19 are available throughout the flu season andcan be co-administered duringthe same visitto the doctor.

This season (2023-2024), 98% of the influenza vaccines have been used, i.e. 181 586 people at risk have been vaccinated at public expense. For more information go to: https://NPHC.lrv.lt/media/viesa/saugykla/2024/2/ThSDgzUwc7c.pdf.

 As of 12 February 2024, 216 003 persons have been vaccinated with the seasonal influenza vaccine (at public and their own expense) since September 2023. As of 5 October 2023, 53 154 persons have been vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine. For more information, go to: https://osp.stat.gov.lt/skiepu-svieslente

Other measures to help protect against colds:

• Wash your hands regularly (for at least 20-30 seconds) or use hand sanitizers if washing them is not possible.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unclean hands.
• Ventilate and wet-clean your premises more often.
• Keep a safe distance in public places.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when sneezing and coughing. Dispose of the used tissues in the rubbish bin. If you do not have a tissue handy, sneeze and cough into your elbow. If you covered your mouth and nose with the palm, wash your hands immediately.
• If you feel cold-like symptoms, stay at home, or work from home and contact your family doctor.
• Wear a medical mask or respirator to help trap respiratory secretions when coughing or sneezing. Also wear a medical mask or respirator when looking after a sick person.

Last updated: 13-02-2024

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