During the 19thweek of 2018, the Republic of Macedonia registered 35 influenza cases/flu-like diseases(I=1.7/100.000). Compared with the number of registered cases in the last week, are increased (21 cases))and increased for 67% 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 (16 cases) and the highest incidence is registered in the age group, 0-4 years. (I=11,2/100.000), with n=13 cases.
This week the biggest number of influenza cases is registered in Skopje, n= 13 and also, the highest incidence is registered in Gostivar (I = 10.9/ 100.000).
In the 2017/2018 season, the total number of influenza like illness (ILI) cases is 23941 (I = 1157.0/ 100.000).Compared with the previous season, the number has decreased for 32% .
This season the biggest number of influenza cases is registered in Gostivar-2410, Skopje-3130, Strumica-2328, with the highest incindence in Kavadarci (I=3820.2 /100 000).
Chart 2. Distribution of cases of seasonal influenza after CPH / RO and I / 100,000 inhabitants, season 2017/2018
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, 14584cases (61%) and the highest incidence is registered in the age group of 5-14 years. (I=2069.5/100 000).
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%) and a peak in February (12,951 or 54.1%). In may, are registered 56 or 0.2%.
During this week the laboratory for virology of IPH has 3 received samples, materials for laboratory diagnostics, all negative. Since the beginning of the season 2017/2018, the laboratory received 482 materials, of which, 242 are positive (50.2%) 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.)
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This week, 6% 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.
