BUCHAREST, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Romania has registered a "record" number of respiratory infections and flu cases, exceeding 170,000 nationwide between Jan. 27 and Feb. 2, Health Minister Alexandru Rafila announced Thursday.
Speaking at a press conference, Rafila said that over 12,500 cases of influenza were clinically diagnosed, prompting the mobilization of healthcare resources.
To manage the surge, authorities have established 300 medical centers for diagnosis and outpatient treatment, with severe cases referred to hospitals.
The minister urged the public to adopt preventive measures, including avoiding crowds and wearing masks if symptomatic.
He also emphasized the importance of flu vaccination, revealing that 1.7 million doses have been distributed through pharmacies, and a higher vaccination rate is needed to curb the spread.
Despite rising infections, Rafila ruled out closing schools, advocating instead for strict monitoring and isolation of symptomatic students.
He acknowledged potential class closures in extreme cases but stressed that school-wide shutdowns should not be a standard response.
As of Feb. 2, Romania has recorded 35 flu-related deaths, with 13 new fatalities in the latest reporting week. ■
