Breaking News: Flu Season 2024-2025 Kicks Off Early; Romania Reports Over 60,000 Respiratory Infections in a Week
The 2024-2025 flu season has begun earlier than expected, with over 10% of tested cases showing the same type of virus, and authorities confirming its onset. According to the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), between Christmas and New Year, Romania saw 4,175 clinic cases of flu, with 102 confirmed by laboratory. Tragically, three more deaths related to flu virus infections were reported, bringing the total to four. In Dolj County, 16 flu cases were confirmed over the same period.
Dolj: 23% of Patients Screened for Respiratory Infections Admitted to Hospital
Last week, Dolj County recorded 1,207 acute upper respiratory tract infections (IACRS), 424 acute pneumonias, and 16 confirmed flu cases via rapid test (13 with type A flu virus and 3 with type B). In total, 1,647 cases of respiratory viruses and flu were reported, down from the previous week’s 1,939. The incidence rates per 10,000 population were 177.77 for IACRS, 2.35 for flu, and 62.44 for pneumonia. Of all cases, 23.01% resulted in hospitalization. So far, 55,301 people in Dolj have been vaccinated.
Nationwide: Nearly 60,000 Respiratory Infections Reported in 7 Days
The latest report from the National Center for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases (CNSCBT) within INSP shows that 57,184 respiratory infections (flu clinic, IACRS, and pneumonia) were reported in the mentioned interval. This represents a 6.2% increase compared to the same week last season (53,870 cases) and a 35.8% decrease compared to the previous week (89,109 cases), possibly due to underreporting during the holidays.
Bucharest and Other Regions Hardest Hit by Flu
Across the country, 4,175 flu clinic cases were reported, up from 3,296 in the same week last season and 2,238 the previous week. The highest numbers were reported in Bucharest (916), followed by Cluj County (515), Brașov County (343), Timiș County (370), Galați County (172), and Constanța County (164). Meanwhile, 102 laboratory-confirmed flu cases were reported (67 type A, 8 AH1, 1 AH3, and 26 type B).
Four Fatalities Linked to Influenza virus
Since the start of the season, 246 laboratory-confirmed flu cases have been reported, including 138 type A, 71 type B, 31 AH1, 6 AH3, 9 co-infections with SARS-CoV-2, and 6 co-infections with RSV. Three new deaths were reported last week, with a total of four confirmed fatalities: three type A, subtype H1 (including one co-infected with SARS-CoV-2), and one type A, not subtyped. The victims were aged 50-64 and 65 years or older, and originated from Sibiu, Bihor, Olt, and Bucharest.
While the flu season has started earlier than usual, health authorities continue to monitor the situation and remind the public of the importance of vaccination and proper hygiene measures. Stay informed and protected!