High Flu Prevalence Remains in Latvia
Flu cases remain high in Latvia, particularly in Jelgava and Rēzekne, with a slight decrease in incidence compared to the previous week.
Flu prevalence in Latvia remains significant, according to the data from the Disease Prevention and Control Centre (SPKC). Last week, the highest rates of infection were reported in Jelgava and Rēzekne, with clinical cases identified in 193 patients, averaging 291.9 cases per 100,000 residents, which marks a 6.2% decrease from the previous week. Flu cases have been detected in all monitored regions, except for Valmiera district, highlighting the widespread impact of the virus across the country.
Continuing trends from previous seasons, the highest infection rates were observed among children under the age of 14, with a notable increase in cases in the group of children ages four years and younger. This uptick in infections within the youngest demographic raises concerns for public health officials as they typically face heightened risks from seasonal illnesses. The monitoring results emphasize the need for ongoing vigilance in addressing flu prevalence, particularly in vulnerable age groups.
The data also reported eight deaths attributed to confirmed flu infections since the beginning of the season, with six cases occurring last week and two in the week before. These fatalities underline the severity of the flu season in Latvia and the importance of preventative measures, such as vaccination and maintaining public health protocols, to mitigate the spread of illness and protect those at greatest risk.