Skopje, 2 February 2024 (MIA) - The Commission for Infectious Diseases is set to hold a meeting next Wednesday, on February 7. The Commission spokesperson Zlate Mehmedovikj told MIA on Friday that the meeting will discuss the situation with all infectious diseases, including seasonal flu and whooping cough.

In its latest report, the Public Health Institute reveals a resurge in flu cases nationwide with the highest activity being reported in Resen, Kavadarci, and Kratovo.

"According to a Public Health Institute’s report for the period from Jan. 22 to Jan. 28, 2024, North Macedonia has registered 1,834 flu cases, which is a 9.5 percent increase compared to the previous week. The number of reported cases compared to the fourth week of last season, is up by 2.1 percent," shows the report.

Two-flu related deaths were registered during the reporting week. The patients, aged 20 to 36, from Skopje and Demir Hisar, died due to flu-related complications and had underlying medical conditions, including hematological and cardiovascular issues as well as obesity. They had not received the seasonal flu vaccine, and tested positive for Influenza, 14 А(H1)pdm09.

Authorities estimate that flu cases will peak at the end of the month. The Institute underscores that vaccination remains the most effective protection against seasonal flu. As of the fourth week of 2024, a total of 61,543 individuals in North Macedonia have been vaccinated. sk/ssh/nn/

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