Tetovo leads in reported cases as flu cases rise in Macedonia

Cases of flu and flu-like illness in Macedonia have risen sharply, according to the latest report from the Institute of Public Health, published on November 5. During the week of October 26–November 1, 116 cases were recorded, compared with 61 the previous week, an increase of 90.2 percent.

Tetovo has the highest number of reported cases, with 48. It is followed by Kumanovo with 26 cases and Skopje with 13, while Prilep and Gostivar have recorded seven cases each.

The largest increase was in Tetovo, where only four cases had been reported the previous week. Together, Tetovo and Kumanovo account for nearly 64 percent of all cases recorded in the country.

Most of those affected—84 people—are between the ages of 15 and 64. There have been 25 cases among people over 65 and seven among children aged five to 14.

The institute notes that not all 116 reported cases have been confirmed by laboratory tests, because weekly epidemiological surveillance also includes illnesses with flu-like symptoms.

Despite the increase in cases, flu activity continues to be assessed at an interseasonal level. The incidence is 6.3 cases per 100,000 residents, while the threshold for seasonal activity is 7.32 cases per 100,000 residents.

As a result, the seasonal wave is not yet officially considered to have begun, and the season’s peak remains undetermined. Nevertheless, the week-on-week increase shows that patient numbers are rising ahead of winter.

Since the start of the 2026/2027 season, a total of 343 cases of flu and flu-like illness have been recorded in the country. Of these, 127 cases are in the Tetovo area.

The Institute of Public Health emphasizes that vaccination remains the main way to protect against seasonal flu, particularly for older people, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, young children and healthcare workers.