2 Million Bulgarians Likely to Get Swine Flu This Winter

According to estimates 30% of Bulgaria’s population will become sick from the virus during the winter months. Photo by Sofia Photo Agency

Bulgaria’s chief state health expert, Tencho Tenev, has stated that at least 2 million Bulgarians will get the A(H1N1) virus over the coming months, as the country prepares to announce a swine flu epidemic.

Tenev said that according to estimates 30% of Bulgaria’s population will become sick from the virus during the winter months.

Tenev was speaking after it was announced Wednesday that schools had been closed in Yambol and Tryavna and public meetings banned over the swine flu threat.

He concluded; “This is the beginning of a widespread influenza virus, perhaps rising to epidemic levels in some localities. With the highest incidence in the country at this time in the regions of Bourgas, Yambol, Silistra, Pleven, Gabrovo, Lovech and Montana. These are the areas in which, if the spread continues an epidemic will be announced in the next two weeks.”