During the 11th week of 2019, (11.03-17.03.2019) the Republic of Macedonia registered 1573 influenza cases/flu-like diseases(I=117.4/100.000). Compared with the number of registered cases in the last week, are decreased for 35.2% (n=2429) and increased for 20.6 % compared with the cases of the last season.(n=2781). (chart1) and compared to the average for the 11th week of the last 8 seasons, there is an increase of 2.1 times (Chart 1).
The incidence this week is above the weekly limit of seasonal activity of the influenza virus (Chart 1).
Over the past week, there have been 7 deaths associated with influenza, 2 of them with a death date in the previous two weeks. It’s about 3 people from Skopje, 2 from Kicevo and 1 from Resen and Valandovo. The age of the deceased ranges from 37-82 years.
In 5 people, pre-chronic disease has been identified, ie co-morbidity.
43% of the deceased confirmed A (H1pdm) influenza virus.
This week, the virological laboratory of the IPH received 84 influenza testing materials, of which 39 (46.4%) were positive for the presence of the influenza virus – 31 Influenza A (H1) pdm, 2 Influenza A (H3) and 6 Influenza A is non-subtyped (Chart 5).
Chart 1. Levels of intensity and weekly distribution of influenza / influenza-like illness patients according to the expected epidemic curve 2010-2018, season 2017/2018 and season 2018/2019
This week most of the cases have been registered in a group 15-64 years (n=1003; 63.7%)and the highest incidence is registered in children 0-4 years, I=130.8/100 000. (chart 2).
Chart 2. Weekly distribution of seasonal flu / influenza-like illnesses by age group – incidence of 100,000 inhabitants, season 2018/2019
This week were reported cases from 27 reporting units. Most of the cases have been registered in Skopje (n=370)and the highest incidence is registered in Kavadarci, I=288.1/100 000. (chart 1).
Image 1. Level of influenza activity according to the incidence of 100,000 inhabitants, 11 week 2019
In the 2018/2019 season, the total number of influenza cases is 19204 (I=928.1/100.000).
Compared with the same period last season , there is a decrease in the total number of reported cases by 14.3%, and in relation to the model for the last 8 seasons a decrease of 22.7% .
Cumulatively this season, most of the cases have been reported from Strumica(n=2279), Kavadarci n=1751 Skopje (n=3293), Bitola (n=1370) (chart 3; 1)
The highest cumulative incidence of 4068.9/100.000 habitants was registered in Kavadarci and also high incidence over 1500,0/100 000h. was registered in Strumica, Debar, Sveti Nikole, Kratovo (chart 3;1)
Chart 3. Distribution of cases of seasonal influenza per CPH / RO and incidence of 100,000 inhabitants, season 2018/2019
Over the season, have been registered 22 deaths associated with influenza. 12 people from Skopje, 3 from Ohrid, 2 from Kicevo and 1 from Kavadarci, Delcevo, Tetovo, Resen, Valandovo. In 17 people, pre-chronic disease has been identified, ie co-morbidity.The age of the deceased ranges from 5-86 years.
Regarding the distribution of the diseased by age groups, the cumulative number of cases was reported in the age group of 15-64 years – 12184 cases (63.4%), and the highest cumulative incidence of 1827.1 / 100.000 was registered in 0-4 years. (chart 1)
Most of the cases are reported in February – 11076 (62.8%) (chart 4; 1)
Chart 4. Distribution of cases of seasonal flu by month, season 2018/2019
From the beginning of the season, the laboratory for virology of IPH has received 712 samples, materials for laboratory diagnostics, of which 387 (54.4%) are positive for the presence of influenza virus, all are Influenza A: 306 (79.1%) are Influenza A(H1N1)pdm, 40 (10.3%) are Influenza A(H3), аnd 41 (10.6%) are Influenza А non-subtyped(chart 5)
Chart 5. Weekly distribution of number and percentage of Influenza positive samples 2018/2019
Vaccination against seasonal influenza is the most effective protection against this disease, therefore the Public Health Institute recommends vaccination of the entire population, especially for people belonging to risk groups (according to WHO recommendations):
According to the data from the Department of E-health, from the beginning of the vaccination, and as of the closing of this report, a total of 19992 persons (71.4%)were vaccinated.
In terms of commercial vaccines, according to available data from CPH / RO, 19348 people were vaccinated. The largest number of vaccinated are over the age of 65 years – 10977 or 56.7%, From the category of health workers, 801 persons were vaccinated. From the total number of vaccinated patients, 14111 persons or 72.9% have a history of chronic diseases.
According to the data a report on vaccine against seasonal influenza in (Private healthcare clinics) 50 people were vaccinated. The largest number of vaccinated are in the age group 30-64. 38.0% have a history of chronic disease.
EUROPE
According to records presented in Flu News Europe (10th week/2019), the activity of influenza virus in Europe is the following: 42.8% samples were confirmed as positive.(from the sentinel surveillance tests in countries reporting to the TESSy system of the ECDC).
From the beginning of the 40th week, over 90% of influenza A viruses detected by SARI (severe acute respiratory infection) cases were subtyped, and 81% of them were A (H1N1) pdm09.
In general, current influenza vaccines tend to act better against influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 and influenza virus B than against influenza A (H3N2).
Preliminary assessments of the effectiveness of the vaccine continue to support the use of vaccines. Initial data suggest that vaccines are effective, but estimates vary depending on the population surveyed and the proportions of subtypes of circulating viruses.
The data from Member States reporting to EuroMOMO show that increased mortality in persons continues to decline.
Increased mortality is noticed in the age group over 65 years and less in the age group of 15-64 years.
