During the 15th week of 2018 (08.04.2018 – 15.04.2018), the Republic of Macedonia registered 137 influenza cases/flu-like diseases(I=6,6/100.000).
Compared with the number of registered cases in the last week, are increased for 24%(chart 1)and increased for 8 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 (84 cases) and the highest incidence is registered in the age group, from 5-14 years. (I=10,4/100.000), with n=24 cases.
This week the biggest number of influenza cases is registered in Тетово, n= 34 and also, the highest incidence is registered in Makedonski Brod (I = 35,7/ 100.000).
From 31 reporting units, only 3 registered low activity of the influenza virus, while other units- didn’t register any cases
Chart 2. Level of influenza activity according to the incidence of 100,000 inhabitants, week 15 2018
In the 2017/2018 season, the total number of influenza like illness (ILI) cases is 23801(I = 1150.3/ 100.000).Compared with the previous season (34916cases), the number has decreased for 32% .
This season the biggest number of influenza cases is registered in Gostivar-2379, Skopje-3117, Strumica-2325, with the highest incindence in Kavadarci (I=3797 /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, 14493cases (61%) and the highest incidence is registered in the age group of 5-14 years. (I=2064.0/100 000).
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 10.1%) and a peak in February (12,951 or 54.4%). In april, are registered 318 or 1.3%.
During this week the laboratory for virology of IPH has received 7 samples, materials for laboratory diagnostics, all negative for the presence of influenza virus. Since the beginning of the season 2017/2018, the laboratory received 477 materials, of which, 242 are positive (50.7%) for the presence of the influenza virus, 69% Influenza B (88% Yamagata, 5% Victoria and 7% non-subtyped.) and 31% Influenza A (of which 80% are A(H1N1)pdm09 and 20% are non sub-typed.) (chart 2)
Chart 2. Weekly distribution of number and percentage of positive samples of influenza 2017/2018
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
This week, 28% samples were confirmed as positive, with the common circulation of Influenza A and Influenza B virus although most of the laboratory confirmed viruses belong to Influenza B. B / Yamagata type is dominated by the registered Influenza B viruses, but this type is not included in the trivalent vaccine for this season.
The situation is common for this time of year. Low to medium intensity of activity is registered in european countries,
