Flu epidemic declared in Stara Zagora

Flu epidemic will be declared as of 15th of January in Stara Zagora district (South Bulgaria). The epidemic is declared in connection with the registered large number of flu cases in the last week (07 – 13 Janyary, 2019) : 264.84 persons per 10 000, as well as from the results of the tested samples of patients with acute respiratory diseases (ARD), which show presence of influenza strain A H3N2.

All age groups are affected.

In order to limit the spreading and the incidence of ARD and influenza amongst school students, the Regional Health Inspection in Stara Zagora will propose to the Ministry of Education to temporarily cancel classes at schools in Stara Zagora region for the period 16 – 18 January.

Hospitals are recommended to suspend the visits to patients, prophylactic immunizations, consultations for children and pregnant women.

In order to avoid complications of influenza, the regional health authorities remind all medical establishments that it is important to start early treatment with antivirals.

The health authorities recommend people to limit social contacts and avoid the gathering of many people in confined spaces; people with high fever and other symptoms of flu to not self-medicate and in the presence of flu symptoms to visit their GPs and not to go to work if they are ill.

Adhering to the recommendations is a matter of personal responsibility to yourself and others, as the best precaution is to limit contact with sick people. This is particularly important for those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women and children.

Regional health authorities monitor the epidemic indicators on a daily basis and undertake immediate measures as necessary because the picture is dynamic.