Public health officials warn of measles and influenza spread in the Balkans

Public health authorities in the Balkan region are issuing warnings regarding the spread of infectious diseases. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Sarajevo Canton Institute of Public Health has urged parents to verify their children's vaccination status following measles cases in neighboring Croatia, which were linked to travel in Kosovo.

Simultaneously, the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) reports an increase in influenza cases, particularly among high school students. Epidemiologists attribute this rise to imported cases following student trips to countries like Spain. While 122 cases were recorded between August 10 and September 6, officials state there is currently no evidence of a full-scale seasonal epidemic.

To prepare for the upcoming season, Croatia has ordered 420,000 doses of influenza vaccine, with the first batch expected in mid-October. In contrast, COVID-19 circulation remains significantly lower than in the previous year.