Epidemiological characteristics of viral gastro-enterocolitis outbreaks in Sofia province, Bulgaria, during the period 2007 – 2022

The aim of the first study of viral gastroenterocolitis epidemic outbreaks during a 15-year period in a region of Bulgaria, with the elucidation of epidemiological characteristics in terms of etiological structure, clinical diversity and severity, intensity, dynamics, as well as an outline of their significance in the context of the modern level of medical development and current organization of healthcare in this country. The subject of the epidemiological survey was Sofia Province, which has specific geographic, economic, ethnic and social characteristics as neighboring with the capital. The epidemiological study considers thirteen viral gastroenterocolitis epidemic outbreaks during the period under review, characterized by intensity, range, etiology and clinical diversity.  Between 2007 and 2022, 4 municipalities in the region with compact Roma population were affected - Samokov, Ihtiman, Pravets and Elin Pelin, as well as a university hospital in Sofia, providing services also to the population in the region.