During the 8th week of 2018 (19.02.2018 – 25.02.2018), the Republic of Macedonia registered 4258 influenza cases/flu-like diseases(I=205.8/100.000).
Compared with the number of registered cases in the last week, are increased for 26%(chart 1)and increased for 15% 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 (2498 cases) and the highest incidence is registered in the age group, children from 5-14 years. (I=419.1/100.000 )
This week the biggest number of influenza cases is registered in Skopje, n= 673 and also, the highest incidence is registered in Kavadarci (I = 857.5/ 100.000).
From 31 reporting units, Debar, Sveti Nikole, Resen, Kavadarci, Prilep , Strumica and Kratovo registered very high activity of the influenza virus, 2 units- high activity, 11 units-medium activity, 6 units registered seasonal activity,5 units registered very low
Chart 2. Level of influenza activity according to the incidence of 100,000 inhabitants, week 8 2018
In the 2017/2018 season, the total number of influenza like illness (ILI) cases is 16429 (I = 794.0/ 100.000).Compared with the previous season (34330 cases), the number has decreased.
This season the biggest number of influenza cases is registered in Gostivar-1958, Skopje-1842, Kumanovo-1631, with the highest incindence in Debar(I=2857.1 /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, 9907 cases (60%) and the highest incidence is registered in the age group of 5-14 years. (I=1505.7/100 000).
The analysis of the number of seasonal flu cases per month indicates a gradual increase in the number of patients in January (2,396 patients or 14.6%) and a peak in February (12,951 or 78.8%).
During this week the laboratory for virology of IPH has received 64 samples, materials for laboratory diagnostics. 43 samples(67.2%) are positive for the presence of influenza virus, subtyped as 29 Influenza B (Yamagata) and 9 Influenza A(H1N1)pdm. and 3 is Influenza A non-subtyped and 2 Influenza non-subtyped
Since the beginning of the season 2017/2018, the laboratory received 316 materials, of which, 154 are positive (49%) for the presence of the influenza virus, 50 subtyped as Influenza A of which (39 are А(H1N1)pdm –and 11 Influenza A non-subtyped), and 104 are Influenza B of which (102 are Influenza B Yamagata, and 2 Influenza B non-subtyped).
Chart 2. Weekly distribution of number and percentage of positive samples of influenza 2017/2018
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, 5 countries are sporadic, 4 local, 5 regional and 30 widespread.
Low intensity of activity is registered in 9 countries, medium 23, high – 10 countries, and in 2 (Luxembourg, Albania) there is a very high intensity of activity of the influenza virus.
51% samples were confirmed as positive. So far, influenza type A is predominant with 33%, and most of the viruses are subtyped as А (H1N1)pdm09 with 65% and influenza type B with 67% (97% – B/Yamagata).
B / Yamagata type is dominated by the registered Influenza B viruses, but this type is not included in the trivalent vaccine for this season. Based on the data provided to EuroMOMO, mortality among older people has increased over the past weeks, especially in the countries of the western part from Europe.
