The influenza epidemic continues to gain strength in Latvia, the influenza virus is still actively circulating in the community, alarms the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDPC).
This season, the rise in morbidity began earlier than usual, and already two weeks ago, the intensity of influenza exceeded the maximum levels of the previous five seasons, bb.lv was informed by the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDPC).
The highest intensity of influenza was recorded in two cities – in Jelgava (1498.9 cases per 100,000 residents) and in Rezekne (987.1 per 100,000 residents). There are many sick people in the Jekabpils region as well (826.9 per 100,000 residents).
The highest incidence of influenza is noted among children under 14 years old.
Since the beginning of the monitoring season, five reports of deaths of patients with confirmed influenza type A infection have been received. All patients were over 60 years old and had several chronic comorbidities. Four of the deceased this season were not vaccinated against influenza.
The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control emphasizes that during the holiday period, the risk of infection increases, as people are more often in enclosed spaces, gathering with family and friends, where individuals of different age groups are present together. In such conditions, the influenza virus spreads particularly easily.
The CDPC urges residents who feel unwell or have symptoms of respiratory infection – such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, weakness, or muscle aches – to stay home, avoid visiting others, and not attend holidays, events, and other public places, thus protecting those around them from infection.
This is especially important for protecting elderly people, individuals with chronic diseases, pregnant women, and small children, for whom influenza can be more severe and cause serious complications.
