Romanian health authorities have issued an epidemiological alert after the country recorded a three-week consecutive increase in flu cases. The surge in respiratory infections has raised concerns about the healthcare system’s capacity, particularly in major cities like Bucharest, Cluj und Brasov.
Flu Cases and Fatalities Increase Amid Low Vaccination Rates
Between 20-26 January, the National Institute for Public Health (INSP) reported 133,600 cases of respiratory infections, marking a 6% rise compared to the previous week. The number of confirmed influenza cases has also spiked sharply to 10,950, up from 6,994 the week before.
So far, 22 people have died, including a three-year-old child. Health Minister Alexandru Rafila stated that none of the fatalities had received a flu vaccine. Despite the increasing risk, vaccination rates in Romania remain low, with only 1.13 million people vaccinated in a population of over 19 million.
Rafila emphasized that while the current situation is unprecedented, it does not warrant widespread restrictions such as quarantine. Instead, the focus remains on preventative measures to contain the spread, ensuring that social and economic activities continue as normal.
Hospitals on High Alert and Stricter Safety Measures Introduced
Hospitals across Romania are tightening safety protocols to manage the rising influx of patients. Authorities have instructed hospitals to limit visitor numbers to reduce transmission risks.
“Visits should be strictly limited to essential cases, and the number of visitors per patient should be minimized,” said Cristina Geormaneanu, spokesperson for the Craiova County Emergency Hospital.
Medical facilities, such as the Victor Babes Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases and Pneumophthisiology in Craiova, are already operating at full capacity. According to Medical Director Dragos Nicolosu, hospitals are implementing all necessary infection control measures typically used during outbreaks.
Health officials are urging the adult population to take precautions, including getting vaccinated and following hygiene protocols. Medical staff are now required to wear protective eyewear, while hospitals must ensure adequate antiviral medication supplies.
Stricter Guidelines for Schools and Public Health Measures
The epidemiological alert introduces new regulations for schools and kindergartens to help control the outbreak.
- Students and teachers with flu symptoms must self-isolate.
- Epidemiological triage will be conducted in all educational institutions.
- Classrooms must be ventilated frequently to reduce the spread of the virus.
In addition, the Romanian government will issue further recommendations for the public to help prevent new infections.
Flu Cases on the Rise After Previous Epidemic Waves
According to the German data analysis agency Statista, flu cases in Romania have remained relatively stable in recent years, except for a notable spike in 2020, when cases peaked at around 29,000 during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023, health officials reported a rise in ‘flu-rona’ cases, where patients simultaneously tested positive for both influenza and COVID-19.
As the number of cases continues to climb, health authorities are urging Romanians to take preventive measures seriously, particularly in high-risk areas and vulnerable populations.
