Zoonoses

Bulgaria finds itself in the midst of a winter health challenge, with seasonal flu prevalence soaring, outpacing COVID-19 by a factor of six. The incidence rate in the capital city Sofia has reached 83 cases per 10,000 people, while the national average stands at 159 per 10,000. In an interview, epidemiologist Prof.

The Regional Operations Headquarters in Bulgaria's Pleven region is set to declare a flu epidemic today, reflecting the escalating impact of Influenza A in the area. Contrary to expectations, students will not be granted a flu vacation, as the absenteeism rate does not meet the criteria for such measures, as stated by the Regional Health Inspectorate (RHI).

A significant decline in the epidemic of respiratory infections from Covid-19 and the influenza virus was recorded in an epidemiological report published Thursday by the National Public Health Agency (EODY).

52 persons were newly diagnosed with COVID-19 in Bulgaria in the past 24 hours. All new cases were detected by rapid antigen tests. 73.08% of them are of persons who have not been vaccinated.

The number of patients received at fever clinics in medical institutions in China has witnessed a decline since New Year's Day. However, there is a possibility of a rebound in the COVID-19 infection epidemic in China in January, Chinese health authorities said on Sunday, China-based Global Times reported.

Professor Iva Hristova, head of Bulgaria's National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (NCIPD), alerted the public to a concerning resurgence of health issues affecting schools. Speaking on bTV, she underscored a startling trend among COVID-19 patients, revealing that one in four experiences a rebound effect—a resurgence of symptoms around ten days after initial improvement.

A simultaneous outbreak of three diseases affecting the respiratory system has never been seen before, medical experts say. But this is what has happened at the start of 2024, with cases of Covid, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) affecting a significant percentage of the population.

Deputy Health Minister Irini Agapidaki has advised parents not to send their children to school if they exhibit symptoms of a respiratory infection.

The seasonal spike in viruses, which became more pronounced during the holidays, has, as anticipated, increased the pressure on Greece's hospitals. Driven by Covid-19, the epidemic wave of viruses - including influenza, RSV, rhinoviruses and adenoviruses - is expected to peak in the next two weeks.

Testing on raw sewage in Athens shows a steep spike in Covid-19 infections over the holiday season, an expert said on Tuesday.