During the 45th week of 2017 ((06.11.2017 – 12.11.2017), the Republic of Macedonia registered 47 influenza cases/flu-like diseases(I=2.3/100.000). Compared with the number of registered cases in the last week, are decreased .(chart 1)
Chart 1. Distribution of cases of seasonal influenza by week, typical epidemic curve of the seasons 2010-2017, 2016/2017 and 2017/2018
Regarding the distribution of patients by age groups, the largest number of cases this week have been reported in the age group of 15-64 years –and the highest incidence is registered in the age groups 0-4 years. This week the biggest number of influenza cases is registered in Debar, n= 11 (I = 39.9 / 100.000).
This season have been reported infected people from 19 reporting units.
During the week 45 of 2017, the laboratory for virology of IPH has received 4 samples, materials for laboratory diagnostics. The samples are negative. Since the beginning of the season 2017/2018, the laboratory received 28 materials which were negative for the presence of influenza virus.
Vaccination against seasonal influenza is the best protection, therefore the Institute of Public Health recommends to all people with chronic diseases and people with immunodeficiency to address to the nearest public health center or Regional Office to obtain further information and seasonal flu vaccine.
Vaccination with the seasonal flu vaccine started from October 17, 2017. The total number of 3-type vaccines (Influvac, produced in Abbot Biologicals Olst, Netherlands) for this season is 27997 doses.
According to reports received by CPH / RO, 27937 people are vaccinated, or 99.8% of total purchased vaccines. The majority of the vaccinated are aged over 65 years – 60.5%, From the total number of the vaccinated 75.2% have a history of chronic diseases.
EUROPE
According to records presented in Flu News Europe (44th week/2017), the activity of influenza virus in Europe is low, and only a few countries (about 40%) reported sporadic detection of influenza viral infections. 1% samples were confirmed as positive. So far, influenza type A is predominant with 55.4%, and most of the viruses are subtyped as A (H3N2) with 68.2%
