SOFIA, Bulgaria – Three additional regions in Bulgaria have declared a flu epidemic as the virus continues to spread rapidly. Following the earlier announcements in Haskovo and Vidin, health authorities have now imposed temporary measures in Yambol, Plovdiv, and Blagoevgrad to curb the increasing number of infections.
According to the Regional Health Inspectorates (RHIs), Yambol will implement its restrictions from January 21 to 27, while Plovdiv and Blagoevgrad will enforce similar measures from January 22 to 28 and January 22 to 30, respectively. The surge in flu cases has prompted health officials to introduce preventive actions aimed at minimizing transmission and protecting vulnerable groups.
Stricter Health Measures Enforced
The new preventive measures include the suspension of scheduled consultations for healthy pregnant women and children, as well as a temporary halt to mandatory immunizations and re-immunizations. Additionally, visits to medical institutions and social service facilities are prohibited during this period to limit potential exposure to the virus.
Schools and children’s organizations will also adopt stricter monitoring procedures to prevent symptomatic children from attending classes. Enhanced disinfection measures have been mandated in educational institutions and public spaces to further contain the virus’s spread.
In Yambol, the situation has prompted authorities to suspend in-person learning, with students shifting to remote education from January 22. Meanwhile, in Blagoevgrad, healthcare workers will now be required to wear medical masks within all healthcare facilities to reduce the risk of infections.
Ministry of Health Issues Public Advisory
In response to the worsening outbreak, Bulgaria’s Ministry of Health has issued general recommendations to mitigate the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses. The ministry has emphasized that these viruses are primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, underscoring the need for strict hygiene measures.
The government’s health advisory particularly highlights the vulnerability of certain groups, including pregnant women, young children under five, individuals with chronic health conditions, elderly citizens, and those with weakened immune systems. The ministry urges these groups to exercise heightened caution and adhere to preventive protocols to safeguard their health.
Nationwide Concerns Grow
The spread of the flu epidemic across multiple regions has raised concerns about potential further escalation. With five regions already under restrictions, health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, considering additional measures if necessary.
Medical experts have advised residents to take precautions such as frequent handwashing, wearing face masks in crowded areas, and avoiding close contact with individuals displaying flu symptoms. Hospitals and clinics in affected regions are also bracing for an influx of patients requiring medical attention.
As Bulgaria battles the ongoing flu outbreak, authorities remain focused on limiting the virus’s spread while ensuring that healthcare facilities can manage the growing number of cases. The effectiveness of the current measures will be assessed in the coming weeks to determine whether further actions are needed to protect public health.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members