Sharp Rise in Flu Cases, Kids Most Hit

Rome: There was a sharp rise in flu cases in Italy in the week of January 6-12, the Higher Health Institute (ISS) reported, saying that children were the most affected age group.

According to Ansa News Agency, the incidence level in Italy reached 14.3 cases per thousand assisted, up from 12.1 the previous week. While the incidence was increasing across all age groups, children under five years of age were the most affected, with an incidence of 25.5 cases per thousand assisted, compared to 22.6 in the previous week.

The weekly report, RespiVirNet-Integrated Surveillance of Respiratory Viruses by the ISS, estimated approximately 841,000 cases of flu-like syndrome for that week, contributing to a total of about 6,793,000 cases since the start of surveillance. Although influenza virus circulation is on the rise, the ISS highlighted that other respiratory viruses also contribute to the number of influenza-like syndromes.

Among the Italian regions, Tuscany, Lazio, Abruzzo, Campania, Puglia, and Sicily reported the highest number of cases. However, Basilicata and Calabria have not yet activated epidemiological surveillance.