Bulgaria Targovishte Region Declares Swine Flu Epidemic

Schools all over Bulgaria are closing over the increasing number of students infected with the A(H1N1) virus. Photo by Sofia Photo Agency

Bulgaria's region of Targovishte officially declared Friday a swine flu epidemic with 232 people from every 10 000 suffering respiratory problems.

All schools in the region will be closed until November 6, prophylactic doctors exams, exams of pregnant women and children are banned as well as hospital visits. Targovishte authorities inform they have enough anti-flu vaccines and urge everyone with flu symptoms to seek medical help.

In the meanwhile, the Shumen region also announced they are close to declaring a swine flu epidemic. The announcement would come no later than Tuesday of next week over the increasing number of those infected. Last week they have been 166 sick people from every 10 000. Epidemic is declared when the number reaches 200.

The anti-virus medication “Tamiflu” is not available in the region while from the other one approved for the swine flu cure - “Relenza”, there are only 4 dozes left in one pharmacy in the city of Shumen. The Bulgarian Health Ministry informed they have sent an additional 2 200 packages of "Tamiflu" and 1 000 of “Relenza.”

15% of the students in the region have the flu and the authorities are prepared to close the schools there as well.

In addition, one school in the city of Vratza was closed Friday and students were sent on a 7-day “flu break” after 30% of the student body did not show up for classes over respiratory ailments.

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