site.btaFlu Epidemic Declared in Dobrich Region

A flu epidemic has been declared in the northeastern Dobrich Region for the period from February 5 to 12, Regional Health Inspectorate Director Svetla Angelova told the media on Friday. The decision was made at the second meeting of the regional taskforce monitoring the spread of influenza and acute respiratory diseases.

A flu epidemic has been declared in many of Bulgaria's 28 administrative regions. The epidemic in Pleven Region was extended on Thursday to last until February 5. The same situation will be in place until February 5 in the regions of Smolyan, Gabrovo, Plovdiv, Varna, Yambol, Veliko Tarnovo, Pazardzhik and Haskovo. The time limit in Sofia Region (exclusive of Sofia City) and in the region of Shumen is February 7, and in Pernik Region, February 9.

By the evening on February 1, in-person classes were cancelled in the regions of Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Pazardzhilk, Yambol, Pernik and Sofia (exclusive of Sofia City).

Presenting the situation in Dobrich Region on Friday, the local healthcare authorities said the incidence of acute respiratory diseases increased to 141 cases (195.02 per 10,000 population) in the week between January 22 and 28 compared with 120 cases (165.98 per 10,000 population) in the week between January 15 and 21. About 15% of school students in Dobrich Region are not having in-person classes.

Elective consultations for healthy pregnant women and children, preventive checkups and compulsory immunization and reimmunization procedures carried out by GPs are cancelled during a flu epidemic, the Health Ministry said. Visits to hospitals (except when the patient is terminally ill) and social care institutions for children and adults are prohibited.