The head of the Communicable Disease Management Center at the Ministry of Health of the Islamic Republic of Iran has reported an increase in COVID-19 cases over the past three weeks.

Qobad Moradi said that cough and fever are common symptoms, and in some people, gastrointestinal symptoms are also observed.

According to ISNA, about 5.5% of visitors with symptoms of respiratory infection tested positive for influenza, and influenza type B is the most prevalent circulating strain.

Based on the report of the Communicable Disease Management Center, in the week ending on September 6, about 8.3% of respiratory samples tested positive for COVID-19, showing a twofold increase.

This comes as reports are also being published about a shortage of influenza vaccines in Iran’s pharmaceutical market.