Republika Srpska reports 34 hospitalizations for severe respiratory infections

The Institute for Public Health of Republika Srpska reported that 34 patients were hospitalized with severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) between October 5 and October 11. The youngest children were the most affected by these severe cases.

Hospital distribution included 13 patients at the University Clinical Center in Banja Luka, eight in Prijedor, five in Nevesinje, three each in Doboj and Bijeljina, and two in Zvornik. During the same period, health centers reported 4,423 cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and 266 cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI), with the highest frequencies noted in the Trebinje and Foča regions. Two cases of coronavirus were confirmed through testing.

In response to the increase in respiratory illnesses, health officials are preparing for the influenza vaccination campaign in November. The Institute has ordered 18,000 doses for eligible populations receiving free vaccinations, plus an additional 2,500 doses for those paying out-of-pocket. Health authorities recommend maintaining personal hygiene, frequent handwashing, and ventilating indoor spaces to mitigate spread.