Armenia sees surge in respiratory infections in October

Armenia reported 24,099 acute respiratory infection cases in October, a 26% increase from the same month last year, according to newly released data from the Statistical Committee.

The number is up by 5,654 compared with October 2024, when 18,445 cases were registered.

Children accounted for the majority of infections, with around 18,000 cases and 1,731 hospitalizations. Tonsillitis cases also rose from 249 last October to 283 this year, including 82 pediatric hospitalizations.

Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan said earlier that seasonal viruses are circulating more actively, including influenza A(H3N2), rhinovirus, bocavirus, adenovirus and parainfluenza. Common symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose and muscle pain.

Schools and kindergartens are operating an “epidemic filter” system, allowing remote learning if infection thresholds are exceeded. As of 2 December, 185 children had been sent home after screening at school entrances, but overall absence rates remain below 15%, which officials consider normal.