Epidemiological situation in Ukraine: in which regions the flu, ARVI and COVID-19 are most prevalent

According to the Ministry of Health, the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections, flu and COVID-19 in Ukraine increased by 3.8% over the past week, with 115,000 people falling ill, half of them children. Despite the increase in COVID-19 cases, the incidence rate does not exceed the epidemic threshold. Most cases are reported in Cherkasy, Chernihiv and Sumy regions. In the Brovary community of Kyiv region, the situation is still stable: only one case of COVID-19 has been recorded, but the incidence of ARVI among children has increased slightly, UNN reports.

According to the Ministry of Health, from November 4 to 10, 815 people fell ill with COVID-19, 236 of them were hospitalized. Thirty-three children needed inpatient treatment. All patients received the necessary medical care.  The Ministry of Health clarified that most cases are currently registered in Cherkasy, Chernihiv, and Sumy regions. 

Currently, the epidemic threshold has not been exceeded in Ukraine, the ministry said. In total, from November 4 to 10, 115 137 people fell ill with SARS, influenza and COVID-19 in the country, of whom half - 66 274 - were children. Doctors also reported one death due to COVID-19 complications. 

"The incidence of COVID-19, after the summer wave of outbreak caused by the FLiRT sub-variant, stabilized in the fall. Compared to September, when 35,230 people were infected with COVID-19, 8,209 cases were registered in October. However, COVID-19 remains extremely dangerous for people who have not received any vaccination, risk groups and patients with comorbidities who have missed revaccination. Vaccination is free of charge and available in medical institutions in every region of the country," said Deputy Minister, Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine Ihor Kuzin.

In total, according to the Ministry of Health, 702 888 people have contracted SARS, influenza, and COVID-19 since the start of the epidemic in October. 11 076 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19, and the coronavirus infection claimed 38 lives. 

At the same time, the situation with the incidence of influenza and ARVI is stable in Kyiv region, but the number of hospitalizations has increased.

UNN asked what is the current epidemiological situation in one of the communities of the region. We are talking about the largest satellite city of the capital Brovary.

According to Igor Kravtsov, director of the Brovarsky city primary health care center, no cases of influenza have been recorded in the community yet, and the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections remains below the usual level.

"There is no epidemic yet, the laboratory research department does not give cases of influenza at the moment, and SARS has been kept at the same level for a year," he said.

He added that there is currently an increased incidence of ARVI among children, but the number of cases does not yet exceed the norm.

"For example, last week there were 606 cases (of acute respiratory viral infections - ed.), 404 of them were children and 202 were adults. Of course, pneumonia and pneumonia are also registered among children and adults," said Igor Kravtsov.

In addition, according to him, one case of COVID-19 was recorded last week in the Brovary territorial community.

"There is enough for treatment. Vaccination against COVID-19 is underway, and we urge people to get vaccinated against influenza," he said, reminding that the flu vaccine is available in pharmacies.

Recall

Earlier, UNN reported that in the Brovary community, local authorities introduced the program "Caring for Everyone" for 2024-2026, which aims to provide social protection and medical support to the most vulnerable segments of the population.

In , the program provides regular diagnostics for the early detection of cancer. In particular, the following examinations are available to community members:

• cervical cancer cytology screening (liquid Pap test) and HPV testing for women over 21 years of age;

• breast and ovarian cancer screening for women over 30 years of age;

• screening for thyroid cancer by a doctor's referral;

• urological screening for the diagnosis of prostate cancer for men over 35 years of age.

Citizens of Ukraine who are registered and live in the Brovary community can undergo these examinations free of charge once a year.

In addition, the community has several other important medical programsaimed at supporting the health of the community, in particular, the privileged categories of the population. Ihor Kravtsov, director of the Brovary City Center for Primary Health Care, told UNN in an exclusive commentary that one of the key programs is to provide free medicines and medical supplies to privileged categories of the population, including internally displaced persons (IDPs).

In addition, the local authorities of Brovary allocate significant funds to support cancer patients living in the community. The hospital provides them with free chemotherapy drugs, which are expensive because all the components are foreign-made.

Brovary Mayor Ihor Sapozhko, in an exclusive commentary to UNN, emphasized that such programs are important for the health and well-being of community residents. He added that the city authorities will continue to support these initiatives despite the limited budget.

"We understand how important these programs are for our citizens, especially for those who need constant medical support. Free drug programs, support for cancer patients, and cancer prevention are vital initiatives, and we do our best to preserve them even in difficult conditions. Taking care of the health of the residents of our community remains our priority," Sapozhko said.