A flu epidemic is affecting new regions in Bulgaria, with Burgas joining Varna and Dobrich. The Ministry of Health announced the introduction of temporary anti-epidemic measures in Burgas from January 22 to 30, in response to the increasing incidence of influenza.

The measures include:

  • Suspension of in-person classes and extracurricular activities (with the exception of olympiads).
  • Restriction of visits to medical facilities.
  • Suspension of preventive examinations and immunizations.

Varna is extending the validity of the already introduced restrictions until January 26, due to the continuing high morbidity. Dobrich is also in an epidemic situation, with the measures there valid until the end of the week.

The Ministry of Health emphasizes that the incidence rates at which epidemic spread is reached are different for each region. These levels are determined on the basis of the population and those sick with influenza and ARIs over the previous 10 years.

For comparison:

  • Gabrovo: 332.3 cases per 10,000 population
  • Blagoevgrad: 418.6 cases per 10,000 population
  • Sofia-city: 203.9 cases per 10,000 population

The data from the NHIF for the period January 12-18 show over 121,000 people examined for flu and ARIs. 4,194 people have been hospitalized. The most affected age group is 5-14 years old, followed by children from 0 to 4 years old.