Last week, the number of cases increased by 10%. The majority of people recover at home, and the highest surge is currently seen among schoolchildren.
“The highest increase in the number of people with acute respiratory infections is recorded among schoolchildren. Currently, the highest incidence remains in the South Moravian Region, but there are no significant regional differences,” stated Jan Kynčl, head of the Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases at the National Institute of Public Health.
Rhinoviruses, which cause illnesses like the common cold, pneumonia, and middle ear infections, primarily affect the upper respiratory tract and are characterized by fever. Influenza remains relatively uncommon, with its peak expected around the turn of the year.
The highest number of respiratory infections is found among children under five, with 3,497 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. However, the infection is gradually spreading to older children and adults. “Currently, a number of non-influenza respiratory viruses, including mycoplasma, are circulating in the Czech Republic,” Kynčl explained. Epidemiologists note that with the onset of autumn and children returning to large school groups, the spread of respiratory infections is a seasonal occurrence. However, the number of pneumonia cases is unusually high, particularly among children.
