Latvia Reports High Intensity Flu Season with 51 Deaths

Delfi Latvia, a prominent news portal, reports on the conclusion of the 2025-2026 influenza and other respiratory infections monitoring season. The article details a particularly severe flu season, characterized by an early onset and high intensity, exceeding previous years' figures. The data, provided by the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC), highlights that the epidemic began in December 2025 and concluded in March 2026, with peak incidence rates significantly elevated. The report attributes the heightened activity partly to the circulation of the A(H3N2) virus subtype, which may have contributed to faster spread and reduced vaccine effectiveness. Furthermore, the article notes the substantial impact of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) on young children, indicating a broader respiratory health challenge. In contrast, COVID-19 cases have shown a downward trend. From a Latvian perspective, this report underscores the ongoing vulnerability to seasonal respiratory illnesses and the importance of public health surveillance. The early start and high intensity of the flu season serve as a reminder of the need for preparedness, vaccination, and robust healthcare systems to manage such outbreaks, especially considering the potential strain on resources and the impact on public health, particularly among vulnerable populations like the very young.