Schools in several cities in Bulgaria are closing amid flu outbreak

The number of influenza cases in Bulgaria is increasing. Flu epidemic has been declatred in the municipalities of Dupnitsa and Separeva Banya on January 21. Schools have cancelled classes until January 27. Due to the epidemic, classes in some schools in Burgas and Plovdiv regions will be cancelled until January 24. Montana disctrict is facing an epidemic. A few days ago, flu epidemic was also declared in Hissarya.

The flu symptoms start suddenly and develops fast. Today, at least 100 samples have been submitted to the National Reference Laboratory.

The peak of the flu season is expected in the middle or the end of February.

Dr. Magdalen Baymakova, Ch. Assistant Professor at the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Military Medical Academy in Sofia explained that the symptoms include strong muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, no energy to get out of bed, losss of our working capacity, tracheal pain, conjunctival infection, headache, eye pain, sore throat, cough.

According to the National Centre for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, the Kansas strains and the so-called swine flu are circulating in the country.

The largest number of flu cases are in Smolyan, Burgas and Pazardzhik. A three-day flu epidemic has been declatred in Karnobat and Sungurlare. Children are admitted to kindergartens after a special medical filter.

Specialists recommend that people infected with the flu should stay home and avoid going in public places as they are the source of the virus and the chance of infecting others is high.