Bihor County Sees Surge in Respiratory Illnesses, Hospitalizations Rise
Oradea, Romania – A meaningful increase in respiratory illnesses is sweeping through Bihor County, placing a strain on local healthcare resources. Cases of pneumonia, influenza, and acute upper respiratory tract infections have risen sharply in the past week, leading to a notable increase in hospitalizations.
The surge comes as the region enters the second week of the 2024-2025 “cold season,” raising concerns about potential further increases in illness as temperatures drop. public health officials are closely monitoring the situation and urging residents to take preventative measures. This rise in infections underscores the continued vulnerability to respiratory viruses, even as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.
According to data from the Bihor public Health Directorate, 1,109 cases of pneumonia were diagnosed between October 6th and 13th, a substantial jump from 980 cases reported the previous week. Currently, 105 patients are hospitalized due to pneumonia.
Influenza cases have also climbed, with 5 clinically confirmed cases identified in the latest reporting period, compared to 3 the week prior. Additionally, 6,002 cases of acute upper respiratory tract infections were recorded, up from 5,596. These infections have resulted in 34 hospitalizations.
Vaccination efforts are underway, with 8,485 Bihor county residents receiving a flu vaccine last week – nearly double the 4,892 vaccinated in the preceding week.
Alongside these increases, 35 new COVID-19 cases were diagnosed in Bihor County last week, with 22 requiring hospitalization, including 2 patients admitted to the ATI (Intensive Care) unit at the County Hospital in Oradea.
