Estonia's deadly flu season shows first signs of abatement
While the number of influenza cases has otherwise remained on the rise week after week, the number of new cases dropped ten percent last week, according to Health Board figures. The flu nonetheless claimed another 11 lives last week, bringing this season's total death toll up to 45.
Last week, a total of 6,741 patients sought medical attention due to viral upper respiratory infections, 38 percent of whom were children. The number of such patients to be diagnosed with influenza or flu-like illnesses decreased ten percent compared to the week before, the Health Board announced.
The number of cases of the flu or flu-like illness was highest in Ida-Viru County and the city of Narva, and Lääne, Viljandi and Tartu Counties.
Influenza viruses accounted for 73 percent of viruses making the rounds in Estonia.
Since the beginning of the current flu season in October, 838 flu patients have required hospitalization and 127 intensive care.
The flu has claimed the lives of 45 people in Estonia, 41 of whom were over 65 years of age. All of the victims belonged to risk groups based on age and serious chronic illness, and none of them were vaccinated against the flu.
Editor: Aili Vahtla
