During the 42nd week of 2017 ((16.10.2017 – 22.10.2017), the Republic of Macedonia have registered 45 influenza cases/flu-like diseases(I=2.2/100.000). Compared with the number of registered cases in the 42nd week of last season (82), are decreased by 45.1%. This season, there are cases in Debar-n=10, Tetovo(n=14), gostivar-10. The highest incidence (36.0 / 100,000) is registered at CPH Debar and the lowest incidence in Skopje(0.2/100.000).
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 –n=31(68.9%),, and the highest incidence (1.8 / 100,000) is registered in the age groups 65+. With (n=10) cases
During the week 42 of 2017, the laboratory for virology of IPH has received 4 samples, materials for laboratory diagnostics. All samples are negative.
Since the beginning of the season 2016/2017, the laboratory received 20 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.
- Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
- children aged 6 months to 5 years
- elderly people aged 65 years and over,
- persons with chronic medical conditions – chronic diseases and conditions of reduced immunity
- Health workers.
All interested people should contact the nearest Public Health Center or Regional Unit to get more detailed information about vaccination against seasonal influenza.
In the epidemiological services of CPH / RO, the vaccination started on October 17, and for this season, there are 27997 doses of the 3-type Influvac vaccine.
According to reports received by CPH / RO, 15422 people are vaccinated during the 42nd week, or 55.1% of total purchased vaccines. The majority of the vaccinated are aged over 64 years – 8964 cases or 58.1%, 30-64 years – 6097 cases or 39.5%, and 5-29 – 126 cases or 0.8%. In the age group 0-4 years- 8 cases. From the category of health workers, are vaccinated 227 persons or 1.5%. There are no vaccinated pregnant women. From the total number of the vaccinated, 11575 persons or 75.1% have a history of chronic diseases.
EUROPE
According to records presented in Flu News Europe (41 week/2017), the activity of influenza virus in Europe is low, and only a few countries reported sporadic detection of influenza viral infections.
