Communicable Disease
Epidemiology
Current Issues --
Influenza in Puget Sound
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Communicable Disease
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Influenza Activity in Puget Sound (posted 2/8/07)Influenza activity in the Pacific Northwest is increasing, especially among younger age groups, however the increase is not significantly different from what the region experiences each year at this time. School absenteeism is also increasing, but is below levels usually seen at this time of the flu season. Preliminary review of surveillance for influenza-like-illnesses (ILI) in emergency rooms in the region shows an increase in ILI visits, as expected in late January and early February of each influenza season. Ninety-seven percent of the influenza isolates received at the PHL and typed here or at the CDC have been influenza type A strains covered by this year’s vaccine and we are beginning to see some influenza type B, typical for this time of the year. Nationally, flu activity is also increasing with no unusual or atypical strains of influenza identified. Nationally, there have been 7 pediatric deaths reported, including a reported death of a young child due to influenza in King County. Death due to influenza in a child less than 19 years of age is notifiable as a rare disease of public health significance. Healthcare providers should report pediatric deaths confirmed or suspected to be due to influenza to your local health department. In turn, local health jurisdictions are asked to notify DOH of these deaths. It’s not too late to give or get influenza vaccine, which will still provide protection for the end of this year’s season. Additional information on influenza can be found at http://www.doh.wa.gov/FluNews/default.htm and http://www.doh.wa.gov/EHSPHL/Epidemiology/CD/fluupdate.htm The 2006-07 ACIP recommendations for influenza vaccination and antiviral use can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/ |
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