High rates of acute respiratory infections persist among children in Armenia

High levels of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) continue to be reported in Armenia, particularly among children aged 0 to 14, health officials say.

According to the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza A (H3N2) remains the predominant circulating strain in the country. Other respiratory viruses currently in circulation include rhinovirus, bocavirus and adenovirus.

During epidemiological week 51, the overall number of ARI cases nationwide fell by around 20% compared with the previous week.

Children and adolescents account for the majority of cases, with 78% recorded among those aged 0 to 18. The highest incidence continues to be observed in the 0–14 age group.

Hospital admissions related to acute respiratory infections also declined in the same period, falling by 1.2 times compared with the previous week.

91% of all hospitalized patients were aged between 0 and 18.