During the 49th week of 2017 ((04.12.2017 – 10.12.2017), the Republic of Macedonia registered 112 influenza cases/flu-like diseases(I=5,4/100.000). 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 group, children from 5-14 years. This week the biggest number of influenza cases is registered in Tetovo, n= 32 and the highest incidence is registered in Debar(I = 50.4 / 100.000).
In 14 reporting units was registered a very low activity of the influenza virus, and only one (Debar) registered seasonal activity (Chart 1).
Chart 1. Level of influenza activity according to the incidence of 100,000 inhabitants, 49 weeks 2017
In the 2017/2018 season, the total number of influenza cases is 758 (I = 36.6 / 100.000).
This season the biggest number of influenza cases is registered in Gostivar, n= 169 and regarding the distribution of patients by age groups, the largest number of cases this season have been reported in the age group of 15-64 years (64,0%) and the highest incidence is registered in the age group over 65 years.
This season have been reported infected people from 20 reporting units.
During the week 47 of 2017, the laboratory for virology of IPH has received 5 samples, materials for laboratory diagnostics. The samples are negative. Since the beginning of the season 2017/2018, the laboratory received 53 materials which were negative for the presence of influenza virus.
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, 27997 people were vaccinated, or 100% 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, the activity of influenza virus in Europe is low, and only a few countries reported sporadic detection of influenza viral infections. 8.8% samples were confirmed as positive. So far, influenza type A is predominant with 43.1%, and most of the viruses are subtyped as A (H3N2) with 52.3% and influenza type B with 56.9% (96.2% – B/Yamagata).
