Skopje, 16 January 2025 (MIA) – According to a Public Health Institute’s report for the period from Jan. 6 to 12, North Macedonia has registered 1,053 flu or flu-like cases, which is a 3.2-fold increase compared to the first week of January.

For the first time this season, the incidence has surpassed the weekly threshold for seasonal flu activity, indicating the onset of the flu season.

In terms of age groups, 633 cases were registered in those aged 15-64, 144 were children aged up to 4 years old, 179 were children aged 5-14, and 97 people aged over 65.

The majority of the cases were registered in Skopje-305, followed by Debar-134, Kumanovo-118, Tetovo and Gostivar-66, Kavadarci-62 with the number of registered cases in other cities at ≤50.

"There is a noticeable rise in flu-like illnesses, exceeding the weekly threshold for seasonal activity for the first time this season. Virological surveillance data show regional flu virus activity. The positivity rate has surpassed the 10 percent threshold for the first time this season. According to this information, North Macedonia is currently at a moderate level of flu intensity," the Public Health Institute said.

The Institute underscores that vaccination remains the most effective protection against seasonal flu. As of the second week of 2025, a total of 72,318 individuals have been vaccinated.

Photo: MIA archive