During the 5thweek of 2018 (29.01.2018 – 04.02.2018), the Republic of Macedonia registered 2001 influenza cases/flu-like diseases(I=96.7/100.000). Compared with the number of registered cases in the last week, are increased for 84%(chart 1)and increased for 3,6 times compared with the cases of the last season.
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 (1239 cases) and the highest incidence is registered in the age group, children from 5-14 years. (I=173.7/100.000 )
This week the biggest number of influenza cases is registered in Gostivar, n= 333 and also, the highest incidence is registered in Debar (I = 353.1/ 100.000).
From 31 reporting units, Debar registered a very high activity of the influenza virus, Gostivar high activity, 5 units-meidium activity, 9 units registered seasonal activity. 6 units didn’t registered any.
Chart 2. Level of influenza activity according to the incidence of 100,000 inhabitants, week 5, 2018
In the 2017/2018 season, the total number of influenza like illness (ILI) cases is 5479 (I = 264.8/ 100.000).This season the biggest number of influenza cases is registered in Tetovo-638, Kumanovo-600 and in Gostivar, n= 1220, with the highest incindence in Debar(I=1444.8/100 000). 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, 3546 cases (65%) and the highest incidence is registered in the age group of 5-14 years. (I=381.1/100 000)
During this week the laboratory for virology of IPH has received 22 samples, materials for laboratory diagnostics. 14 samples(63.6%) are positive for the presence of influenza virus, subtyped as 8 Influenza B (Yamagata) and 5 Influenza A(H1N1)pdm. and 1 is Influenza A non-subtyped
Since the beginning of the season 2017/2018, the laboratory received 154 materials, of which, 35 are positive (22.7%) for the presence of the influenza virus., 15 subtyped as Influenza A of which (13 are А(H1N1)pdm –and 2 Influenza A non-subtyped), and 20 are Influenza B (Yamagata).
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 widespread,
The situation is common for this time of year. In terms of geographical distribution, 6 countries are sporadic, 4 local, 4 regional and 24 widespread.
Low intensity of activity is registered in 16 countries, medium 16, and in 7 (Iceland,Ireland, Luxembourg, Swiss, Kosovo, Wales, and Italy) there is a high intensity of activity of the influenza virus
58% samples were confirmed as positive. So far, influenza type A is predominant with 34.9%, and most of the viruses are subtyped as А (H1N1)pdm09 with 62.7% and influenza type B with 65.1% (96.6% – B/Yamagata).
