Bulgaria’s Smolyan district declares flu epidemic as of Jan 18

Smolyan is the first district in Bulgaria, which declares flu epidemic. Measures to be in effect from January 18. The incidence of influenza and acute viral infections has increased sharply. The flu morbidity rate in the district was 268.9 out of 10,000 population, on a weekly basis.

Out of 9 samples sent to the National Reference Laboratory, 6 have been confirmed as influenza type A. Schools are not closing for the period of the epidemic. The number of absent pupils is monitored.

Anti-epidemic measures have been ordered covering health facilities, kindergartens, schools and social institutions. The Regional Health Inspectorate recommends wearing masks.

“Visits to healthcare facilities are suspended, planned medical consultations for children and pregnant women, as well as routine checkups and mandatory immunisations.

At kindergartens and schools, stricter “screening” is introduced to check the arriving children for symptoms. Ill children must be sent home. No sick staff, no outsiders will be admitted, in order to prevent the spread of infections," said Dr. Mimi Kubateva, Head of Smolyan RHI.