Four regions are in a pre-epidemic situation. This was said in the studio of "The Day Begins" by Prof. Iva Hristova, director of the National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases.
Currently, there is an epidemic in only two regions – Burgas and Plovdiv, Prof. Hristova clarified and added:
“Plovdiv is a new region that has skipped the pre-epidemic situation. The morbidity has increased quite rapidly,” Prof. Hristova specified.
Last week, Varna and Dobrich were also in an epidemic situation, with levels already falling in Dobrich, while the virus is still actively circulating in Varna.
Four new regions are in a pre-epidemic situation:
“This indicates a jump in morbidity there, and if this trend continues, it is very likely that we will see them in an epidemic next week. These are the regions of Sliven, Targovishte, Montana and Pleven,” Hristova explained.
According to her, from the previous week there are several regions in a pre-epidemic situation that continue to maintain a high level of morbidity. These are Sofia-oblast and Veliko Tarnovo.
Ruse region also has a slight increase in flu patients and it is possible that it will be in an epidemic next week.
According to Prof. Hristova, the decisions to declare an epidemic are region by region, so that the measures have an effect and are not applied indiscriminately.
“It's always like that, every year. The country doesn't fall into an epidemic simultaneously, so that's normal. Region by region. And that's why it makes sense for the measures to be region by region and to be taken just before the peak, to have an effect.”
For schools, the director of the National Center recommended extending the mid-term vacation in the affected regions:
“Especially in those regions that have high morbidity in a pre-epidemic situation, especially in an epidemic, this is absolutely the most recommended.”
At the moment, morbidity has slightly increased – 5200 cases compared to 5055 for the previous week, with a total morbidity of 149 per 10,000 people, compared to 145 per 10,000 a week ago.
Prof. Hristova explained that the peak of the flu epidemic is approaching:
"There are some grounds to think that the peak is near, besides, it is interesting that in recent weeks the morbidity is lower compared to the same period last year. In Western Europe, most countries have passed the peak, in addition, influenza B began to be proven in us, which is the white swallow, that the flu is leaving, so I believe that this week will be the peak and the decrease will begin."
See more in the video with Prof. Iva Hristova