High Activity of Acute Respiratory Viral Infections Observed in Armenia, Swine Flu Also Circulating

During the 3rd week of 2025 (January 13-19, 2025), there has been a reported high activity of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in the territory of the Republic of Armenia. During this period, agents of the H1pdm09 subtype of Influenza A (the causative agent of the 2009 swine flu pandemic) were found as part of ongoing epidemiological surveillance in Armenia.

According to the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Armenian Ministry of Health, the incidence rate of ARVI during this period increased by 1.2 times compared to the previous week, while remaining nearly at the same level as in the same period of 2024. A total of 70.6% of cases were recorded among individuals aged 0-18 years.

As of January 20, 2025, a total of 826 patients have been hospitalized with ARVI in healthcare organizations across Armenia, with 92% of these patients being between the ages of 0-18 years. Additionally, 551 patients hospitalized with pneumonia, 61.1% of whom are aged 0-18 years, and 62 patients receiving treatment for pneumonia and severe acute respiratory infections are currently in intensive care, of which 46 are in the 0-18 age group, making up 74.1% of all patients admitted to the ICU.

From October 1 to January 20, various respiratory viruses have been identified: 82 rhinoviruses, 7 adenoviruses, 18 respiratory syncytial viruses, 12 parainfluenza viruses, 9 bocaviruses, and 20 coronavirus pathogens.

Regarding coronavirus, as of January 20, 2025, Armenia has recorded a total of 454,599 cases (15363.3 per 100,000 of the population), with 444,925 individuals (97.9%) having recovered and 9,530 cases resulting in death (322.1 per 100,000). The mortality rate from 2020 to 2024 was 2.1%, while as of January 20, 2025, it is at 0.5%.

In the last 14 days, 37 new cases were reported (1.3 cases per 100,000), which is an increase of 2 compared to the same period previously (35 cases, 1.2 per 100,000). Nevertheless, this is 3.7 times lower than cases reported during the same period last year.

In the last 7 days, there were 14 cases reported, a decrease of 9 compared to the previous week (23 cases), which is also 4.3 times lower than the same period last year.

As of January 20, 2025, the “Infectious Diseases National Center” has hospitalized 2 patients receiving inpatient care for coronavirus. There are currently no patients in intensive care.

Omicron subvariants continue to circulate in Armenia. Notably, neighboring Georgia has reported fatalities associated with swine flu.