Amidst an influenza outbreak in Croatia, a child with comorbidities has died, raising concerns as numbers of hospitalizations increase.
A child in Croatia succumbed to complications from influenza, marking a somber moment as healthcare officials report a surge in cases.
Dr. Tešović confirmed the death, noting that the child had multiple comorbidities and should have been vaccinated.
Another child remains in critical condition and is on life support, highlighting the severity of the current influenza season.
According to the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ), approximately 25,000 influenza cases have been documented this season, with the highest infection rate among preschool children and the lowest among those aged 65 and older.
To date, the flu-related death toll has reached 30, with individuals primarily affected by severe complications from the virus.
Ivan Puljiz, head of the Infectious Diseases Clinic in Zagreb, stated that there are currently 30 patients hospitalized due to influenza, with six in the intensive care unit for adults.
He indicated that most of these patients had not been vaccinated against influenza, and only a small number of those hospitalized had received the
vaccine.
Since February 1, around 200 hospitalizations have occurred due to influenza or related respiratory complications, prompting health officials to advocate for vaccination as an effective measure against severe disease and to prevent complications.
Despite the distressing reports, Dr. Tešović mentioned that the current trend of influenza cases is within expected parameters compared to previous years, suggesting a manageable level of outbreak.
The urgency of vaccination efforts is being reiterated as public health officials assess the ongoing situation.