Rise in Respiratory Diseases: Morbidity in the country reaches 133 per 10,000 people

An increase in the number of acute respiratory disease cases has been reported in the country over the past week. The overall morbidity rate is 133.17 per 10,000 population. For the period from January 5 to 11, 72 positive samples for influenza viruses were confirmed at the National Reference Laboratory for Influenza and ARD, indicating active influenza circulation in the country. This was announced by the Ministry of Health following a working meeting between the Minister of Health, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Silvi Kirilov, and the directors of the 28 Regional Health Inspectorates (RHI).

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Health, Ms. Dobromira Kareva, the Chief State Health Inspector, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Angel Kunchev, and the Director of the Public Health Directorate at the Ministry of Health, Mr. Iliya Tasev.

During the meeting, the current epidemic situation in the country and data on the morbidity of acute respiratory diseases (ARD) were discussed. Participants deliberated on the rates of development and circulation of influenza viruses, the impact on different age groups, hospitalization levels, as well as the procedure for introducing temporary anti-epidemic measures and declaring an influenza epidemic.

It was noted that in recent weeks, a high prevalence of influenza type A/H3N2 has been observed in several European Union countries, with the number of proven cases also increasing in Bulgaria. In this regard, it was emphasized that increased surveillance of influenza and acute respiratory diseases is necessary in the coming weeks.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Angel Kunchev, increased influenza activity is currently reported in the regions of Burgas, Dobrich, and Silistra.

We remind you that starting tomorrow, temporary anti-epidemic measures will take effect in the Varna region. This is based on the registered surge in the number of ill persons in the city of Varna over the past week, which reached 763 in reporting medical practices. The total registered morbidity in the region is 239.38 per 10,000 population.

Thus, for the period from January 14 to January 20 inclusive, temporary anti-epidemic measures are being introduced across the region. These include the suspension of in-person classes in all schools, as well as the conduct of group and extracurricular activities, excursions, sports festivals, and other events organized by schools. In childcare facilities, the mixing of groups and the holding of general events are prohibited.

Visitations to inpatient medical facilities, as well as to specialized institutions for social services and residential-type social services for children and adults, are also suspended. Preventive check-ups, mandatory immunizations, and re-immunizations are temporarily suspended.

The introduced anti-epidemic measures may be modified depending on the development of the epidemic situation within the region.

We remind you that when influenza and ARD morbidity increases, it is recommended to wear a protective mask in indoor public places, including public transport, medical and health facilities, pharmacies, administrative offices, and commercial outlets.