During the 17thweek of 2018, the Republic of Macedonia registered 38 influenza cases/flu-like diseases(I=1.8/100.000). Compared with the number of registered cases in the last week, are decreased for 17%(chart 1)and decreased for 19% compared with the cases of the last season.
Chart 1. Distribution of cases of seasonal influenza by week, typical epidemic curve of the seasons 2010-2017, 2016/2017 and 2017/2018
Regarding the distribution of patients by age groups, the largest number of cases this week have been reported in the age group of 15-64 years (28 cases) and the highest incidence is registered in the age group, from 5-14 years. (I=3.0/100.000), with n=7 cases.
This week the biggest number of influenza cases is registered in Tetovo, n= 14 and also, the highest incidence is registered in Kratovo (I = 20.9/ 100.000).
In the 2017/2018 season, the total number of influenza like illness (ILI) cases is 23885(I = 1154.3 100.000).Compared with the previous season, the number has decreased for 32% .
This season the biggest number of influenza cases is registered in Gostivar-2395, Skopje-3117, Strumica-2325, with the highest incindence in Kavadarci (I=3817.9 /100 000).
Chart 2. Distribution of cases of seasonal influenza after CPH / RO and I / 100,000 inhabitants, season 2017/2018
Regarding the distribution of patients by age groups, the largest number of cases this season have been reported in the age group of 15-64 years, 14553cases (61%) and the highest incidence is registered in the age group of 5-14 years. (I=2068.2/100 000).
The analysis of the number of seasonal flu cases per month indicates a gradual increase in the number of patients in January (2,396 patients or 10%) and a peak in February (12,951 or 54.2%). In april, are registered 402 or 1.7%.
During this week the laboratory for virology of IPH has no received samples, materials for laboratory diagnostics. Since the beginning of the season 2017/2018, the laboratory received 479 materials, of which, 242 are positive (50.5%) for the presence of the influenza virus, 69% Influenza B (88% Yamagata, 5% Victoria and 7% non-subtyped.) and 31% Influenza A (of which 80% are A(H1N1)pdm09 and 20% are non sub-typed.)
According to reports received by CPH / RO, 27997 people were vaccinated, or 100% of total purchased vaccines. The majority of the vaccinated are aged over 65 years – 60.5%, From the total number of the vaccinated 75.2% have a history of chronic diseases.
EUROPE
This week, 12% samples were confirmed as positive, with the common circulation of Influenza A and Influenza B virus although most of the laboratory confirmed viruses belong to Influenza B. B / Yamagata type is dominated by the registered Influenza B viruses, but this type is not included in the trivalent vaccine for this season.
The situation is common for this time of year. Low to medium intensity of activity is registered in european countries,
