During the 50th week of 2017 ((11.12.2017 – 17.12.2017), the Republic of Macedonia registered 92 influenza cases/flu-like diseases(I=4.5/100.000). Compared with the number of registered cases in the last week, are decreased for 17.9% (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 Debar, n= 23 and also, the highest incidence is registered in Debar(I = 82.9 / 100.000).
In 11 reporting units was registered a very low activity of the influenza virus, and only one (Debar) registered seasonal activity .
In the 2017/2018 season, the total number of influenza cases is 850 (I = 41.1 / 100.000).
This season the biggest number of influenza cases is registered in Tetovo-173 and in Gostivar, n= 170 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, 542 cases (63.8%) and the highest incidence is registered in the age group over 65 years.(I=54.2/100 000)
During the week 50 of 2017, the laboratory for virology of IPH has received 8 samples, materials for laboratory diagnostics. Only one sample is positive of influenza virus, A(H1N1)pdm
Since the beginning of the season 2017/2018, the laboratory received 61 materials, of which, only one is positive (1,6%) for the presence of the 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. 11% samples were confirmed as positive. So far, influenza type A is predominant with 39.6%, and most of the viruses are subtyped as A (H3N2) with 52.9% and influenza type B with 60.4% (96.5% – B/Yamagata).
