site.btaUPDATED Peak of Flu Epidemic Expected Next Week

The Director of the National Centre for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Professor Iva Christova, told Nova TV that Bulgaria is at the peak of the flu epidemic.

In her words, the highest number of sick people is expected next week. “Our observations are that there is an increase in flu circulation. The tests we are doing show that 40% of the materials sent for testing are positive. A month ago it was 10%,” Prof. Christova said.

"In Sofia the incidence is low, much below the national average, but we expect Gabrovo and Burgas to declare an influenza epidemic as well," the scientist added.

As of Monday, the regions of Vratsa, Pleven and Shumen are in a flu epidemic, the Ministry of Health said. Anti-epidemic measures in Vratsa region will apply until January 31, in Pleven - until February 2, and in Shumen - until February 4. Anti-epidemic measures already in place in Haskovo will continue until January 31. Attendance at school shall also be suspended in the district. Anti-epidemic measures have also been introduced in the regions of Dobrich, Veliko Tarnovo, Varna, Plovdiv, Blagoevgrad, Yambol and Vidin. Each regional health inspectorate independently decides what anti-epidemic measures will be applied on its territory.

February 6 and 7 will be non-school days for students in Plovdiv, Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov announced at a press conference. The decision was reached after a consultation with the Regional Health Inspectorate and a thorough monitoring of the incidence of influenza and acute respiratory diseases.

Due to the increased incidence of influenza, the health authorities in Varna have proposed that students in the region switch to online classes, Dr Anka Baeva, head of the Anti-Epidemic Control Department at the Varna Regional Health Inspectorate, said on Monday. The incidence rate in Varna Region is 266 per 10,000 people, she added. If the Health Ministry approves the proposal, schools will switch to online classes from January 29 to February 4.

Also on Monday, the Montana Regional Health Inspectorate said a flu epidemic has been declared in Montana Region, with restrictive measures being introduced from January 29 to February 4. Currently, the incidence of flu in the region is 312.65 per 10,000 people. A flu epidemic has to be declared at 309 per 10,000 people.