Swine flu influenza in Bulgaria

Swine flu epidemic in Bulgaria

24.01.2011

In Bulgaria, the swine flu becomes an epidemic. The health authorities report that the infection rates in some regions are already 155 flu infections per 1,000 inhabitants.

While the swine flu pathogens (H1N1) in this country are indeed detected in a large proportion of patients, the total number of infections in Germany so far is relatively manageable. In Bulgaria, however, the health authorities are already talking about an epidemic and are worried about the growing numbers of infections.

Numerous swine flu infections in Bulgaria
According to Bulgarian media reports, the massive flu infections have already taken the form of an epidemic in six districts. The seasonal flu epidemic in Bulgaria is particularly severe this year, with around 30 percent of the diseases being due to H1N1 virus infection. Given the infection numbers of 155 flu infections per 1,000 inhabitants, for example in the capital Sofia, government and health authorities are alarmed. Citizens are advised to minimize their social contacts and avoid crowds. All schools will be closed until further notice. Despite the precautionary measures, health authorities expect that the number of diseases will continue to increase over the next few days, peaking towards the end of the week. Why the swine flu in Eastern Europe and especially in Bulgaria reaches a much greater extent than in most Western European countries, according to the experts is so far unclear.

Flu infections in Germany only slightly increased
The vaccination rates of about 26 percent, as the market research institute „YouGov“ In a recent survey on vaccinations in Germany has found, in this country certainly make a contribution to the far fewer influenza infections. In its latest weekly report, the Working Group on Influenza concludes that the flu activity in Germany was only slightly increased until mid-January. However, in this country more than 80 percent of the cases were triggered by the H1N1 virus, which was responsible for the swine flu pandemic in the past flu season. (Fp)