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9 clusters · 57 sources · 16 days · First seen · Last updated

Rising respiratory infections in Balkans and Montenegro

Overview

The surge in respiratory infections continues across the Balkans. In Republika Srpska, the Institute for Public Health reported that between October 5 and October 11, 34 patients were hospitalized with severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), with the youngest children being the most affected. During this same period, health centers recorded 4,423 cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and 266 cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI). In response, officials are preparing an influenza vaccination campaign for November. In Belgrade, the City Institute for Public Health reported 10,415 cases of acute respiratory infections between October 12 and October 18, including 538 influenza-like illnesses. Although this represents a slight decrease from the previous week, the highest concentration of infections remains among individuals aged five to 19. In Sarajevo Canton, health officials report an increase in respiratory viruses, though the official influenza season has not yet begun. While health center waiting rooms are currently full, most patients are presenting with milder respiratory infections rather than the flu. Dr. Elvedin Tatarević, Director of the Sarajevo Canton Health Center, announced that approximately 7,540 flu vaccines have been ordered and are expected to arrive in late October or early November. In Montenegro, the Institute of Public Health confirmed the first two cases of influenza type A for the 2026/2027 season in Podgorica; both patients are reported to be in good general condition. To combat the spread, seasonal vaccination in Montenegro is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 26. Health officials recommend vaccination for high-risk groups, including those over 65, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and individuals with chronic illnesses. In Croatia, the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) has reported 201 cases so far this season, with 79 reported in the last week alone.

Entities

Institute for Public Health of Republika Srpska · World Health Organization · Republic of Srpska · Health Center Bujanovac · Federal Institute of Public Health

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 5 sources
    Sarajevo Canton prepares for flu season as respiratory viruses rise

    Sarajevo Canton health officials report rising respiratory virus cases and are preparing to distribute over 7,500 flu vaccines starting in late October or early November.

  2. [HEALTH] 11 sources
    Flu activity rises in Croatia and Montenegro as vaccination begins

    Influenza Type A cases are rising in Croatia and Montenegro. Montenegro has launched its seasonal vaccination campaign, while Croatia prepares for vaccinations in November.

  3. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Republika Srpska reports 34 hospitalizations for severe respiratory infections

    Thirty-four patients in Republika Srpska have been hospitalized with severe acute respiratory infections, primarily affecting young children, according to the Institute for Public Health.

  4. [HEALTH] 6 sources
    Republic of Srpska to begin influenza vaccination in November

    Influenza vaccinations in the Republic of Srpska will begin in November, with 18,000 free doses reserved for high-risk groups and 2,500 doses available for purchase.

  5. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Respiratory infections rise in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Austria

    Respiratory infections, including influenza and COVID-19, are increasing in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Austria as seasonal temperatures drop.

  6. [HEALTH] 11 sources
    Influenza vaccination campaigns begin in Serbia and Republika Srpska

    Seasonal flu vaccination campaigns have begun in Serbia and Republika Srpska, utilizing trivalent vaccines like Torvaxflu and Vaxigrip to protect high-risk groups and healthcare workers.

  7. [HEALTH] 17 sources
    Respiratory infections rise across Europe and the Balkans

    Health officials in England, Republika Srpska, and Slovenia report rising respiratory infections, including influenza and RSV, prompting increased vaccination efforts and hospital precautions.

  8. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Republika Srpska reports 4,204 respiratory infection cases

    Republika Srpska reported 4,204 acute respiratory infection cases and one death from severe respiratory infection in week 40. Influenza A(H3) is the most detected strain.

  9. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Serbia reports rise in respiratory infections and influenza

    Serbia is seeing a rise in respiratory infections and influenza, with doctors noting cases of extreme physical weakness among patients. President Vučić has also continued campaigning while visibly ill.

Sources

24sata.hr · atvbl.rs · banjaluka.com · banjaluka.net · baranjainfo.hr · barinfo.me · bizniscg.me · bujanovacke.co.rs · dan.co.me · danas.rs · espreso.co.rs · etv.me · glaslaktasa.com · granicedoboja.info · ilovezrenjanin.com · index.hr · judzks.ba · kozarski.com · kroativ.at · lokalec.si · magazin.hrt.hr · mame.rs · mitrovica.info · mojdoboj.info · mojkraj.hr · n1info.ba · n1info.rs · nova.rs · novini247.com · oslobodjenje.ba · pogled.ba · portalanalitika.me · poslovni.hr · ppmedia.rs · press24.mk · radio-djakovo.hr · radiobrcko.ba · radiosarajevo.ba · rtnk.me · sbonline.net · sirmiuminfo.rs · skopskoeho.mk · srpskainfo.com · superbiz.se.pl · teleskop.hr · tvsa.ba · utrinskivesnik.mk · uzickarepublikapress.rs

This summary has been updated 10 times: see revision history