Influenza epidemic ends in Latvia liepajniekiem.lv

SPKC’s influenza and acute upper respiratory infections (AURI) monitoring data show that in the last two weeks, the number of patients who sought medical help and were clinically diagnosed with influenza did not exceed 100 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in any of the territories involved in monitoring, therefore SPKC announces the end of the flu epidemic on April 25.

Influenza virus activity is below the seasonal level and has been observed in six out of ten monitoring areas where there is a wide spread of flu, but compared to the previous week, the intensity and spread of flu is decreasing.

SPKC, however, indicates that the circulation of influenza viruses is still continuing and in the past week a total of 20 cases of influenza were registered in six administrative territories – Ventspils, Rēzekne and Jēkabpils, Jurmala, Daugavpils and Riga. Since the beginning of the season, family doctors’ practices in Latvia have reported a total of 3,442 clinically confirmed cases of influenza.

SPKC assesses the intensity of the flu epidemic this season as average. In the second week of this year, the average intensity of the flu increased significantly and exceeded the base level – the start of the flu epidemic was announced on January 12. This season, the highest number of influenza cases is observed in the age group up to 14 years.

Since the beginning of the season, a total of 54,370 laboratory tests for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been performed in Latvia, of which 8,236 were positive. In total, 7,210 Covid-19 patients were hospitalized.

Although the flu epidemic has ended and the spread of flu viruses is decreasing, SPKC reminds that flu and other respiratory viruses continue to circulate.

SPKC epidemiologists call on to continue to remember respiratory infection prevention measures. Namely, wash your hands often, every time you come from outside, before eating, before touching your face, regularly ventilate the premises both at home and in educational institutions and workplaces, carry out wet cleaning of the premises, eat healthy food that will help strengthen immunity, as well as prolong the stay time in the fresh air – going for walks and doing physical activities outdoors.