A total of 116 cases of influenza and influenza-like illnesses were reported in the country between October 26 and November 1. This represents a 90.2 percent increase compared to the previous week, when 61 cases were registered, according to the latest report from the Public Health Institute (PHI).
Compared to the same period last season, when 94 cases were recorded, the number of cases has risen by 23.4 percent. The highest number of cases over the past week was reported in Tetovo (48), followed by Kumanovo (26) and Skopje (13). Eight cases each were registered in Prilep and Gostivar; three each in Ohrid and Negotino; two each in Strumica, Veles, and Bitola; and one case in Radovish.
Regarding age groups, the majority of those affected are between 15 and 64 years old (84 individuals), while 25 are over the age of 65, and 7 are children aged five to 14.
Since the beginning of the 2026/2027 season, a total of 343 cases of influenza and influenza-like illnesses have been registered, an increase of 1.5 percent compared to the same period last season. The highest number of cases—127 in total, has been registered in Tetovo.
During the last reporting week, 47 samples were tested at the Public Health Institute’s virology laboratory; 4 tested positive for the influenza virus, and one tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
The Institute notes that, despite the increase in the number of cases, influenza activity remains at an inter-seasonal level, and the epidemiological threshold for the start of the flu season has not yet been reached.
Vaccination in Macedonia began on October 21 and is being carried out at public health centers, their regional units, and community health centers. Appointments for free vaccines can be scheduled via the website www.vakcinacija.mk. So far, 11,629 people from high-risk groups have been vaccinated.