Southeast Bulgarian Districts Declare Swine Flu Epidemic

The District of Burgas in Southeast Bulgaria declared Monday a swine flu epidemic over the rising number of people infected with the A(H1N1) virus.

The medical alert will be in force until November 6 but may be extended. All schools will be closed until that date, and all public events have been canceled.

Another southeast district, Yambol, has also declared a flu “vacation” for the schools but until November 9. The local medical authorities are deciding later on Monday whether to declare an all-out epidemic as in the neighboring Burgas District.

The same decision is due in the Gabrovo District in Central Bulgaria. Gabrovo and the Varna District have the largest numbers of infected people with the A(H1N1) virus. Some of the municipalities there already have 175 infected people per 10 000, whereas epidemic is declared at 180 sick per 10 000.

The northeast District of Targovishte declared swine flu epidemic on October 30, 2009; the alert there will last until November 6.