OREANDA-NEWS The incidence of influenza and SARS increased in Russia in January, most often sick children, closed 61 schools and 23 kindergartens, told the Head of Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova.

According to this information, the incidence of influenza and SARS above the limit was recorded in 13 regions, and the laboratories detect influenza in more than half of the cases.

"In the third week of 2019, Rospotrebnadzor notes in General on the territory of the Russian Federation the increase in the geographical spread of the incidence of SARS and influenza. And the most actively involved in the epidemic process are children of the age groups 3-6 and 7-14 years. That is, children from organized groups”, - said Popova.

She also noted that the number of regions with exceeded weekly epidemic thresholds (average incidence) has increased. So, if last week there were six subjects, then last week - already 13. According to Popova, it is Perm region, Altai Republic, Sverdlovsk, Vladimir, Novosibirsk region, Jewish Autonomous region, Karelia, Khabarovsk territory, Buryatia, Tyumen region, Yakutia, Altai region and Kemerovo region.

Also, the head of the Department said that among children up to two years, the excess of epidemic thresholds is registered only in four subjects. At the same time, among children aged 3-6 years and 7-14 years – in 11 subjects. Also, in 11 regions, the excess of thresholds among adults is registered.

"Over the past week, the number of patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of influenza and SARS increased by 6%. According to the results of laboratory monitoring, the proportion of influenza viruses among circulating viruses continues to increase and amounted to 54.1% of the total number of positive findings. Over the past period, approximately the same number of registered AH3N2 and influenza AH1N1 2009, influenza b viruses are only 1%, " - said the Agency interlocutor.

According to Popova, if there are complications with the epidemiological situation as a prevention, the educational process is suspended. "Last week was completely closed 61 school and 23 kindergartens. These figures while small, but this measure is effective, and we will apply it, - she noted.

"Today, we must remember that the period of upswing, it is advisable to visit the places where many people in the medical mask need to wash face and hands, you can handle the items that you constantly relate to: it's gadgets, pens, remote controls and so on", - said Popov.

She stressed that special attention should be paid to the health of children and older people, it is better to limit visits to crowded places.