Influenza and ARI intensity in Bulgaria was high during week No 51 (19.12.2016-25.12.2016). The total incidence per 10,000 population was 166.24 (during week No 50 the incidence was 140.90). From a total of 382 104 persons under surveillance, belonging to all age groups, a total of 6352 ARI cases have been reported (during week No 50 the cases were 5384). The incidence was highest in the age group 0-4 yrs (689.03 per 10,000 population), followed by age group of 5-14 yrs (576.71 per 10,000). Incidence with epidemic values has been reported in: Pernik (231.49), Plovdiv (171.31), Gabrovo (333.03) and Haskovo (345.63). Incidence with pre-epidemic values has been reported in: Varna (163.43), Vratsa (193.80), Dobrich (137.72), Montana (204.56), Pazardjik (223.35) and Sofia-city (174.11).
Information from National Reference Laboratory of Influenza and Acute Respiratory Infections at NCIPD: During week No 51 totally of 32 samples from suspect patients have been investigated in the NRL of Influenza and ARD by Real Time PCR. 12 positive results for subtype А/Н3N2 were detected.