Influenza in Latvia Claims Three More Lives 0 9

The epidemiological situation last week in Latvia indicates that the influenza virus continues to circulate actively in the community. Data from the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory (NMRL) monitoring confirms high influenza activity, although a slight decline was observed — last week, the influenza virus was laboratory confirmed in 12.8% of tested samples (compared to 18.0% the week before). All laboratory-confirmed influenza viruses were of type A, predominantly the A/H3 subtype.

According to monitoring data, influenza was clinically identified in 286 patients, which corresponds to an average of 411.9 cases per 100,000 population, an increase of 35.5% compared to the previous week (303.9 per 100,000). Influenza cases were registered in all 10 monitoring territories. The highest intensity of illness was reported in the Jekabpils region (733.8 cases per 100,000 residents), Rezekne (646.7 per 100,000 residents), and Daugavpils (627.0 per 100,000 residents). The highest incidence of influenza was observed in children under 14 years old, especially in younger age groups. Three reports of deaths of patients with confirmed influenza infection have been received.

The number of other acute respiratory infections remains high. In outpatient medical facilities, visits due to other respiratory infections increased by 18.1% compared to the previous week, totaling 1,587.1 cases per 100,000 residents. The number of pneumonia cases remained approximately at the level of the previous week; however, pneumonia was still more frequently registered in children, especially in the age group from 0 to 4 years.

In inpatient medical facilities, the proportion of patients with severe acute respiratory infections increased to 4.7% of the total number of admitted patients. The largest share of hospitalized patients consists of individuals over 65 years old, confirming the increased risk of severe illness among the elderly.

The COVID-19 situation in Latvia last week indicates a decrease in the proportion of positive tests to 5.6% compared to the previous week. At the same time, the number of COVID-19 patients admitted to hospitals increased, and last week three cases of death among patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection were registered. According to wastewater monitoring data, the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Latvia continues to decrease overall.

The epidemiological situation in the European region of the World Health Organization indicates high and widespread influenza, with the proportion of positive influenza samples reaching around 30%. At the regional level, the spread of respiratory syncytial virus continues to grow, especially among children under 5 years old, while SARS-CoV-2 activity levels remain low.

Considering the simultaneous circulation of influenza, other respiratory infections, and COVID-19, the Center for Disease Prevention and Control urges residents to adhere to preventive measures — regularly wash hands, ventilate rooms, avoid crowded places, and, if necessary, use medical face masks or respirators. If ill, it is recommended to stay at home, contact a family doctor, and follow the doctor's instructions to reduce the spread of infections.