site.btaFlu Epidemic Declared in Three Regions of Bulgaria

Three regions of Bulgaria are experiencing a flu epidemic, according to the latest data of the Health Ministry. Temporary anti-epidemic measures are already in effect in Dobrich and Varna regions, with Varna extending the measures until January 27. Burgas Region introduces them from January 22 to January 30.

Among the measures are the suspension of in-person classes, visits to inpatient care facilities, specialized institutions offering social services, and residential social services for children and adults. Medical check-ups, as well as mandatory immunizations and reimmunizations, are also suspended for the duration, the Ministry said.

The incidence levels at which epidemic spread is declared and temporary anti-epidemic measures are introduced differ by region, the Ministry added. These thresholds are determined based on population size and the number of registered cases of influenza and acute respiratory infections in the respective region over the past 10 years.

Data from the National Health Information System for the past week (January 12–18) show that 121,254 people nationwide sought medical care for influenza and acute respiratory infections. A total of 4,194 were hospitalized.