In Latvia, the latest laboratory surveillance data reveals a sustained high level of flu virus circulation, with 15.8% of samples tested confirming the presence of influenza A viruses. This indicates a slight increase from the previous week’s 15%. Overall, influenza was clinically diagnosed in 193 patients, revealing a rate of 291.9 cases per 100,000 people, which is down by 6.2% compared to the prior week's figures. The flu has been reported across all monitored regions except for Valmiera district, with the highest incidence seen in Jelgava and Rēzekne.

Monitoring also highlights a concerning trend regarding the age distribution of flu cases, with a higher incidence historically observed among children under the age of 14. Notably, there has been an uptick in flu cases among the youngest category, particularly those aged 0-4. This demographic is showing increased susceptibility, which could be attributed to various factors including lower immunity levels in younger children or possibly lower vaccination rates in this group during the ongoing flu season.

Tragically, the latest reports indicate that there were eight notifications regarding fatalities in patients confirmed to have influenza infections over the past week, highlighting the severe implications of the current flu season. Six of these reported deaths emphasize the urgent need for public health initiatives to address flu prevention, especially targeted at vulnerable populations such as young children, to mitigate the health crisis exacerbated by the flu this winter season.