Croatia Reports 78 Deaths from Flu in 2025/2026 Season

Croatia experienced a significant flu season in 2025/2026, with the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) reporting nearly 41,000 cases and 78 fatalities attributed to the virus and its complications. The institute cautioned that precisely determining the direct cause of death can be challenging, as flu often exacerbates underlying health conditions or leads to secondary infections like pneumonia and sepsis.

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In Croatia, in the 2025/2026 flu season, almost 41,000 cases of illness were reported, and 78 deaths due to the flu and its complications were reported, announced the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ).

As of May 17th, a total of 40,886 flu cases were reported. The season's peak occurred in the 51st week of the previous year, when over 10,378 cases were reported in a single week, a figure substantially higher than in previous seasons. In contrast, the last week of the reported period saw only three new cases and no positive virus samples, indicating the season's end.

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The peak of the season was recorded in the 51st week of last year, when 10,378 cases were reported in one week, which is far more than in previous seasons.

The flu season is typically associated with an "excess mortality" rate, meaning a higher number of deaths compared to non-flu periods. This is particularly true for at-risk groups, including individuals over 65 and those with chronic illnesses, who are more susceptible to severe outcomes. While children aged one to six years exhibited the highest incidence rates, with over 7,000 cases per 100,000 population in some age brackets, the lowest rate was observed in those over 65. However, this older demographic, along with chronically ill individuals, remains the most vulnerable to severe illness and fatal complications.

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The highest incidence rates were observed in children aged one to four years, with 7,031.5 reported cases per 100,000 population, and children aged five to six years, with 6,828.7 reported cases per 100,000 population.

The HZJZ's National Reference Center for Influenza confirmed that no flu virus samples tested positive in the final week. The data highlights the significant public health impact of seasonal influenza, particularly on vulnerable populations, underscoring the importance of preventative measures and monitoring during flu seasons.

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The lowest rate was recorded in persons over 65 years of age, only 385.5 per 100,000 population, but it is precisely older persons and chronic patients who are most at risk when it comes to severe forms of the disease and complications.