In week 3, 2026y, 5055 cases of acute respiratory infections and influenza were registered among an average observed population of 347,913 people, which represents an incidence rate of 145.29 per 10,000 people. For the previous week, 4633 cases of acute respiratory infections and influenza were registered among an observed population of 347,913 people, an incidence rate of 133.17 per 10,000 people. The country incidence rate and by age groups is growing up compared to the previous week, with a pronounced increase observed in the age group 0-4 years (516.91 per 10,000 inhabitants), and in the group 5-14 years (430.72 per 10,000 inhabitants).
Epidemic rates are observed in the districts of Varna, Dobrich and Burgas (249.41%00). In Varna and Dobrich regions, where a flu epidemic was declared last week, temporary anti-epidemic measures are expected to continue, respectively till 20.01. in Varna region and till 25.01. in Dobrich region. The incidence rate is rising in Veliko Tarnovo region (133.85%00) and is around and above the average level in Gabrovo (272.79%00), Blagoevgrad (189.85%00), Ruse (189.70%00), Sofia-region (184.48%00) and Smolyan (167.48%00).

During week 3, 580 clinical samples from patients with ARI were tested by Real Time PCR at the National Reference Laboratory for Influenza and ARI. 143 cases of influenza A(H3N2) virus and 20 cases of influenza A/H1N1 (2009) virus were confirmed.
In children under 5 years of age, the following were confirmed in the 433 clinical samples tested: influenza virus A/H3N2 (117), influenza virus A/H1N1 (2009) (16), AdV (13), RSV (13), PIV (6), and other viruses (37).