March 26, 2007
(CDC Week 13)
It is not too late
to get influenza vaccine
for the 2006-2007 season.
Washington state: Influenza
activity in Washington State is being reported as sporadic.
All reports of activity are down to very low levels. No new
outbreaks have been reported in three weeks. The
predominate influenza this season was influenza A. Both
influenza A, H1N1 and influenza A, H3N2 circulated along
with a small amount of influenza B (3%). A majority of
surveillance cases were under the age of 19 years with few
cases reported in the over 60 age group. Peak influenza
activity occurred from February 4 through February 17.
Periodic reports will be posted as needed for the rest of
the influenza season.
Oregon: Oregon is reporting regional activity with a
decline in requests for influenza testing in the past two
weeks.
United States: Influenza activity continues to
decrease in the U.S. P & I deaths are below baseline. CDC
has received 32 reports of influenza-associated pediatric
deaths during the current season. Nineteen states are
reporting widespread influenza activity; 23 states reported
regional activity; four states, NY City, and the District of
Columbia report local activity; three states reported
sporadic activity; and one state did not report.
British Columbia (B.C.): Localized influenza
activity is being reported in B.C. Activity has decreased
from last week. Four new ILI outbreaks were reported (2 in
LTCF and 2 elementary schools). The ILI rate decreased
slightly, and was below the average rate and expected limit
for this time of year.
March 20, 2007
(CDC Week 12)
Washington: Reports of
influenza activity declined for the past four weeks. No
school reports of increased influenza activity have been
reported for two weeks. Washington state is now reporting
regional activity to CDC.
Oregon: Reports received in week 10 indicate a
decline in the level of community transmission of influenza
in Oregon. Sentinel ILI data show a slight decrease from
week 09. The 32 influenza reports of PCR/culture results
represent a 13% decline from flu week 9. The current level
of activity is being reported as regional.
United States (week 10, ending March 10, 2007):
During week 10 influenza activity continued to decrease
nationwide. Data from the U.S. WHO and NREVSS collaborating
laboratories indicated a decline in activity for the fourth
consecutive week; 18.8% of specimens tested positive for
influenza this week. ILI data was above baseline for the
twelfth week this season but is declining. Nineteen states
reported widespread influenza activity; 23 states reported
regional influenza activity; for states, New York City, and
the District of Columbia reported local influenza activity;
three states reported sporadic influenza activity; and one
state did not report. The percent of deaths due to pneumonia
and influenza remained below baseline level.
British Columbia: During the week ending March 10,
some influenza activity indicators increased from week 9,
while others decreased. BC laboratories reported 89
influenza-positive results. Three new ILI outbreaks were
reported. One was in a long-term care facility and two were
in schools. The ILI rate decreased slightly, and was below
the average rate for this time of year, but within expected
limits.
March 9, 2007
(CDC Week 11)
Influenza activity seems to be
declining slightly in Washington State. School absenteeism
reports have dropped dramatically. No influenza outbreaks
have been reported in long-term care facilities. Visits to
sentinel physicians for ILI have shown a decline. Pneumonia
influenza deaths are within normal limits.
The Center for Disease Control and
Prevention announced the composition of the 2007-08
influenza vaccine February 24, 2007. WHO has recommended
that the components for the 2007-08 trivalent influenza
vaccine for the Northern Hemisphere will be:
A/Solomon Islands/3/2006-like
(H1N1) A/Wisconsin/67/2005-like (H3N2)
B/Malaysia/2506/2004-like
The influenza A (H1N1) component has
been changed from the 2006-07 season vaccine. A/Solomon
Islands/3/2006 is a recent antigenic variant of the current
vaccine strain A/New Caledonia/20/99. The influenza A
(H3N2) and influenza B components remain the same.
B/Ohio/1/2005 is antigenically equivalent to
B/Malaysia/2506/2004. This recommendation was based on
antigenic analyses of recently isolated influenza viruses,
epidemiologic data, and post-vaccination serologic studies
in humans. (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/)
February 27, 2007
(CDC Week 9)
Washington (Week ending
February 24, 2007): While Washington is reporting
widespread influenza activity, there has been a small
decrease in reported influenza activity over last week.
School absenteeism has decreased as have the number of
positive isolates from sentinel laboratories (See
accompanying graft). Influenza A is still the predominate
type of influenza occurring in Washington and the United
States as a whole. Sentinel physician reporting for
influenza-like illnesses is decreasing. Pneumonia and
influenza deaths are within normal limits for this time of
year.
Oregon (Week ending February 17, 2007):
Sentinel and laboratory reports are indicative of a
continuation of the widespread level of community
transmission of influenza in Oregon. Surveillance reports of
influenza now total 266 (A 256, B 10) compared with 383 (A
380, B 3) last season.
United States (Week ending February 17, 2007):
Influenza activity continued to increase in the United
States. Among specimens tested by WHO and NREVSS
laboratories in the United States, 24.8% were positive. ILI
data was above baseline for the ninth week this season.
Twenty-four states reported widespread influenza activity;
14 states and New York City reported regional influenza
activity; 10 states and the District of Columbia reported
local influenza activity; and two states reported sporadic
influenza activity. The reporting of widespread or regional
influenza activity increased from 33 states for week 6 to 38
states for week 7. The percent of death due to pneumonia
and influenza remained below baseline level. Nationally, 15
reports of influenza-associated pediatric deaths have
occurred during the current season to date, compared to 41
reports at the same time last season.
British Columbia (Week
ending February 17, 2007):
BC laboratories reported 127 influenza-positive
results. Six new ILI outbreaks were reported in schools and
eight were reported in long
term care facilities 2 influenza A confirmed). The
ILI rate increased in week 7. A child who died in BC (week
5) remains the only influenza-related pediatric death
reported in Canada this season. Across Canada, up to 4
influenza-related deaths in children 15 years of age and
younger are expected each season. To date 76 positive
influenza isolates have been reported in BC.
Thirty-four were A/New Caledonia/20/99-like (H1N1),
29 were A/Wisconsin/67/05-like (H3N2), and three were
B/Malaysia/2506/04-like which are all included in this year?s
trivalent vaccine.
February 16, 2007
(CDC Week 7)
Washington State: Reports of
influenza activity have taken a sharp rise in Washington
State during the past week. The activity level reported to
CDC for week 6 will be increased from regional to
widespread. While some areas are especially hard hit,
others in the state are not with several counties reporting
no schools with absenteeism above 10% with influenza-like
illnesses. More schools are reporting influenza-like illness
coupled with equal amounts of gastrointestinal-like illness
then previous years. Many health jurisdictions are also
reporting gastrointestinal-like illnesses in nursing homes.
Only one influenza A outbreak in a nursing home has been
confirmed this year. The weekly percent of influenza-like
illness based on total sentinel physician patient visits for
Washington State increased form 2-3% in week 5 to 6.5% for
week 6. The percent of isolates positive from WHO/NREVSS
laboratories in Washington also increased from 9% in week 4
to 18% in week 5.
Since October 1, 2006, 210 positive isolates have been
confirmed from sentinel sources in Washington: 99% have
been influenza A, 1% (5 cases) have been influenza B. Of
the influenza A?s, 11% have been A, H1N1, 11% have been A,
H3N2, and 76 % have been influenza A, not sub-typed. So
far, the cases occurring matched the trivalent influenza
vaccine. Forty-five percent of the surveillance isolates
have been in the 9 and younger age groups, 17% in the 10-19
age group, 16% in the 20-29 age group, 8% in the 30-39 age
group, 6% each in the 40-49 and 50-59 age groups
respectively, and 4% in the 60 and above age group.
Pneumonia and influenza deaths are slightly above baseline
levels. One pediatric death has been reported this year.
Oregon: Sentinel and laboratory reports received in
Week 5 are indicative of a regional level of community
transmission of influenza A in Oregon. Total respiratory
viruses for this year are now 128 (127 A, 1 B) compared with
348 (346 A, 2 B) last season. The difference represents a
63% reduction in viral performance so far this season.
United States, week ending February 3, 2007: During
week 5 (January 28-February 3, 2007), influenza activity
continued to increase in the United States. Nine states
reported widespread influenza activity (AK, DE, IN, IA, MN,
OK, SC, TN, and TX); 19 states reported regional influenza
activity; 14 states and New York City reported local
influenza activity; seven states and the District of
Columbia reported sporadic influenza activity; and one state
did not report. The reporting of widespread or regional
influenza activity increased from 22 states for week 4 to 28
states for week 5. The percent of deaths due to pneumonia
and influenza remained below baseline level.
Since October 1, 2006, WHO and NREVSS laboratories have
tested a total of 83,332 specimens for influenza viruses
with 6,244 (7.5%) positive. Among the 6,244 influenza
viruses, 5,161 (82.6%) were influenza A viruses and 1,083
(17.4%) were influenza B viruses. One thousand six hundred
ninety-six (32.9%) of the 5,161 influenza A viruses have
been sub-typed: 1,507 (88.9%) were influenza A (H1) viruses
and 189 (11.1%) were influenza A (H3) viruses. Regionally,
specimens tested for influenza during the most recent three
weeks (1/14-2/3, 2007), showed the percent of specimens
testing positive were from 5.4% to 18.6%. The Pacific
region had 10.6% positive, the third lowest in the nation.
February 8, 2007
(CDC Week 6)
Washington state: Washington
has seen an increase in influenza activity for weeks four
and five (January 21 through February 3, 2007). Washington
States influenza activity level is being raised from local
to regional. Increased absenteeism has been seen in schools,
but is well below expected levels for this time of year.
For reporting schools, absenteeism levels are in the 10-15%
range. Mixed symptoms are being reported: influenza-like
symptoms (fever and upper respiratory), noro-like viruses
and/or gastroenteritis?s-like illnesses (diarrhea, vomiting
and nausea). Stomach flu is a misnomer for these illnesses
which are not related to influenza. Laboratory confirmed
cases of strep throat are also being reported. While school
absenteeism reports are increasing, absenteeism is well
below expected levels for this time of year. Pneumonia-
influenza deaths are below expected levels for this time of
year.
Fifty-five percent of reported influenza cases have
been in the 19 and younger age groups, with 18% in the 20-29
age groups. Only 5.7% of cases reported have been in the 60
and above age group. Only one laboratory confirmed influenza
A outbreak has been reported in long term care facilities.
Unfortunately, one pediatric death has been reported this
season. This is an extremely rare occurrence in Washington
State and in the US as a whole. Ninety-seven percent of the
cases reported in Washington State are influenza A, covered
in this years trivalent influenza vaccine. It is not too
late to receive influenza vaccine.
Oregon: Sentinel and laboratory reports received in
week 04 are indicative of an increase in the level of
community transmission of influenza and other respiratory
viruses in Oregon. Oregon is reporting regional influenza
activity. Respiratory viruses identified to date in Oregon
are adenovirus (8), coxsackie B (1), influenza A (97),
influenza B (1), parainfluenza type 2 (4), parainfluenza
type 3 (19), parainfluenza type 4 (1), rhinovirus (8), and
RSV (23).
California and Idaho: Both states are reporting
regional influenza activity.
USA (Week ending January 27, 2007, Week 4 Synopsis):
During week 4, influenza activity increased in the United
States. Among specimens tested by U.S. World Health
Organization (WHO) and NREVSS collaborating laboratories for
influenza, 17.9% were positive. ILI data was above baseline
for week 4. Eight states reported widespread influenza
activity (AR, IN, IA, MD, MN, OK, SC, and TX), 14 states
reported regional influenza activity; 15 states reported
local influenza activity; and 13 states, the District of
Columbia, and New York City reported sporadic influenza
activity. The reporting of widespread or regional influenza
activity increased from 18 states for week 3 to 22 states
for week 4. The percent of deaths due to pneumonia and
influenza remained below baseline level. Seven pediatric
deaths have occurred since October 1, 2006.
British Columbia: During week 4 (Jan21-Jan 27, 2007)
BC laboratories reported 37 influenza-positive results. This
is an increase over previous weekly reports. Seventeen new
ILI outbreaks were reported in schools. Four ILI outbreaks
were reported in LTCF's, one of which was confirmed as
influenza A. The rate of ILI visits to physicians was
substantially lower than the expected level for this time of
year.
January 31, 2007
(CDC Week 5)
Influenza activity for weeks 2 and 3
of 2007 in both the Pacific Northwest Region and nationwide
is below expected levels for this time of year. Only three
states (Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee) are
reporting widespread activity at this time.
While a slight increase in eastern Washington activity
has been reported, statewide visits to sentinel physicians,
test results from sentinel laboratory?s and school
absenteeism has been below expected levels for this time of
year. A majority of laboratory confirmed influenza results
are influenza A, H1N1, with an occasional influenza A, H3N2
or influenza B.
Sporadic cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and
parainfluenza are being reported. Widespread outbreaks of
Norwalk-like viruses (?norovirus?) are also being reported
in schools and nursing homes. A majority of influenza
positive laboratory results are influenza A, H1N1, with an
occasional influenza A, H3N2 or influenza B.
January 17, 2007
(CDC Week 3)
Washington State: Influenza
activity for the week ending January 7, 2007 (Week 1) is
sporadic with continued reports of sporadic influenza A
(H1N1) cases mainly in the Western part of the state and the
Spokane areas. One influenza A, H3N2 and a single influenza
B were also reported. No school absenteeism has been
reported. Since the influenza A outbreak in Clark County
last December, no nursing home outbreaks have been
reported. Pneumonia & Influenza (P&I) deaths are within
expected limits. No pediatric deaths have been reported.
Several influenza A specimens sent to CDC for antigenic
characterization have been influenza A, New Caledonia/20/99,
H1N1 or closely related strains. This is the strain in this
year?s vaccine.
United States: For the week ending January 7, 2007
(Week 1), laboratory and outpatient influenza-like illness
(ILI) surveillance data indicated decreased influenza
activity in the United States. Among specimens tested by WHO
and NREVSS laboratories for influenza, 7.6% were positive.
The proportions of visits for ILI may have been influenced
by a reduction in routine healthcare visits during the
holiday season as has been seen in past seasons. However,
influenza-like illness (ILI) remained above baseline for the
fourth consecutive week this season. Five states reported
widespread influenza activity (AL, GA, KY, SC, TN), regional
activity was reported by 11 states (CT, FL, IN, IA, MD, MI,
NV, NC, OK, PA, TX). Local activity was reported in 15
states. The District of Columbia, New York City and 19
states reported sporadic activity. Vermont reported no
influenza activity.
Laboratory Surveillance: Since October 1, WHO and NREVSS
laboratories have tested a total of 50,666 specimens for
influenza viruses and 2,787 (5.5%) were positive. Among the
2,787 influenza viruses, 2,256 (81%) were influenza A and
531(19%) were influenza B viruses. Of the 695 (31%) of the
2,256 influenza A viruses that were subtyped, 669 (96%) were
influenza A (H1) viruses and 26 (3.7%) were influenza A (H3)
viruses.
Oregon: Sentinel and laboratory reports received in week
01 continue to reflect sporadic community transmission of
influenza and other respiratory viruses in Oregon.
Influenza deaths have been lower than expected. A total of
26 influenza A have been reported since October 1, 2006
compared to 112 for the same time period last season.
British Columbia: During the week ending January 7,
2007 (Week 1), influenza activity was sporadic.
Laboratories in B.C. reported 8 new influenza-positive
results, representing a slight decrease from the previous
week, but higher than earlier in the season. Two new ILI
outbreaks were reported in BC (Fraser and Central Vancouver
Island). One influenza A outbreak was reported (Vancouver
Coastal) in a residence for the elderly. The rate of ILI
visits to physicians was substantially lower than the
expected level for this time of year. To date, the national
laboratory has typed 21 positive influenza specimens. Twenty
were A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like, and one was
B/Malaysia/2506/04-like which are included in the
composition of the 2006-2007 influenza vaccine.
December 28, 2006
(CDC Week 52)
Washington state: Influenza
activity for week 50 is sporadic with continued reporting of
a few influenza A (H1N1) cases. One influenza A, H3N2 and a
single influenza B were also reported. No new school
absenteeism has been reported since the influenza A, H1N1
outbreak in Clark County. No nursing home outbreaks have
been reported. Pneumonia and influenza ("P&I") deaths
are within expected limits. No pediatric deaths have been
reported. Several influenza A specimens sent to CDC for
antigenic characterization have been influenza A, New
Caledonia/20/99, H1N1 or closely related strains. This is
the strain in this year?s vaccine.
Oregon: Sentinel and laboratory reports received in week
50 continue to reflect sporadic community transmission of
influenza and other respiratory viruses in Oregon. For week
50, 6 influenza A have been laboratory confirmed compared to
27 last influenza season. A total of 10 influenza A have
been reported since October 1, 2006.
United States (week 50, ending December 16):
During week 50, influenza activity increased in the United
States. Specimens tested by the WHO and NREVSS collaborating
laboratories for influenza, 8% were positive. Three states
reported widespread influenza activity (AL, FL, and GA),
regional activity was reported by nine states (IA, KY, LA,
MA, MI, OK, SC, TN, and TX). Local activity was reported in
six states (CT, HI, MI, MN, NC, and UT). Sporadic activity
was reported by the District of Columbia, New York City and
26 states. Six states reported no influenza activity.
British Columbia: Influenza activity in BC is
low. During week 50, BC laboratories reported no new
influenza positive results. No new influenza-like illness
("ILI") outbreaks were reported. The rate of ILI
visits to physicians was substantially lower than the
expected level for this time of year.
Laboratory Surveillance: Since October 1, WHO and
NREVSS laboratories have tested a total of 33,030 specimens
for influenza viruses and 1,218 (3.7%) have been positive.
Among the 1,218 influenza viruses, 962 (79%) were influenza
A and 256 (21%) were influenza B viruses. Two hundred
thirty-four (24%) of the 962 influenza A viruses have been
subtyped: 222 (95%) were influenza A (H1) viruses and 12
(5%) were influenza A (H3) viruses. Of the 1,218
influenza positive tests reported this season, 503 or (41%)
have been reported from Florida. CDC has antigenically
characterized 42 influenza viruses [10 influenza A (H1), one
influenza A (H3), and 31 influenza B viruses] collected by
U.S. laboratories since October 1, 2006. It is too early in
the influenza season to determine which influenza viruses
will predominate or how well the vaccine and circulating
strains will match.
To date, the national laboratory has typed fifteen positive influenza
specimens from BC. All have been A/New Caledonia/20/99
(H1N1), which is included in the composition of the
2006-2007 influenza vaccine. No influenza-associated
pediatric deaths or laboratory-confirmed
influenza-associated hospitalizations have been reported
this season.
December 14, 2006
(CDC Week 50)
Washington state:
Several cases of influenza A were reported in week 48, with
onsets in late November or early December. Two
cases were from Clark County; 2 Cases from King County; one
case each in Snohomish, Skagit and Spokane counties. With
the exception of one case in Snohomish County, all cases are
in the 10 and under age group. All were confirmed at
sentinel laboratories as A, H1N1 with the exception of the
Spokane case which was A, not sub-typed. No influenza B
cases have been reported.
Two school outbreaks have been reported. The first
laboratory confirmed school outbreak was in a Clark County
elementary school with 10% absenteeism. The second
influenza-like outbreak (not laboratory confirmed) was in a
Snohomish County elementary school with 20% absenteeism.
No long term care outbreaks have been reported. All
other indicators are reporting at or below expected levels
of activity for this time of year.
Oregon state: Sentinel and laboratory reports received
in week 48 reflect the early beginning of community
transmission of influenza viruses in Oregon.
United States (week ending December 2, 2006):
During week 48, low level influenza activity was
reported in the United States. One hundred and six
(4.3%) specimens tested by U.S. World Health Organization
(WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus
Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories were
positive for influenza. The proportion of patient
visits to sentinel providers for influenza-like illness (ILI)
and the proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and
influenza were below baseline levels. Four states
reported regional activity; four states reported local
activity; 27 states, the District of Columbia, and New York
City reported sporadic activity; 15 states reported no
activity.
Since October 1, 2006, WHO and NREVSS laboratories have
tested a total of 22,677 specimens for influenza viruses and
724 (3.2%) were positive. Among the 724 influenza viruses,
568 (78.5%) were influenza A viruses and 156 (21.5%) were
influenza B viruses. One hundred forty-four (25.4%) of the
568 influenza A viruses have been sub-typed: 135 (93.8%) were
influenza A (H1) viruses and 9 (6.2%) were influenza A (H3)
viruses. Thirty-six states have reported positive
laboratory influenza tests. Of the 724 influenza
positive tests reported this season, 398 (55%) have been
reported from Florida. CDC reports it is too
early in the influenza season to determine which influenza
viruses will predominate or how well the vaccine and
circulating strains will match.
British Columbia: As of the week ending December 2,
sporadic influenza A activity is being reported in British
Columbia. No influenza B has been reported. No ILI outbreaks were reported in week 48.
December 4, 2006
(CDC Week 49)
Washington state: During
November 17-25 (weeks 46-47), one case of influenza A in a 6
year old King County resident with chronic asthma was
reported. All other indicators are reporting at or below
expected levels of activity for this time of year. The
previously reported September case was tested at CDC with
the results being A/New York/55/2004-like, H3N2. This is
the strain most manufacturers used to make this year?s A,
H3N2 component of the trivalent influenza vaccine.
Oregon: One case of influenza A occurred in a 34 year
old Washington County adult male, from Kaiser Permanente
Northwest laboratory. He was not hospitalized. There were
no other laboratory reports received through week 47 that
signaled the community transmission of influenza in Oregon.
United States: During week 47 (ending November 25,
2006) a low level of influenza activity was reported in the
United States. Sixty-seven (3.7%) specimens tested by U.S.
WHO and NREVSS collaborating laboratories were positive for
influenza. The proportion of patient visits to sentinel
providers for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the
proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza
were below baseline levels. Alabama reported widespread
activity. Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi reported
regional activity. Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and
South Caroline reported local activity. District of
Columbia, New York City and 24 states reported sporadic
activity. Eighteen states reported no activity.
British Columbia: Sporadic influenza A activity is
being reported in British Columbia.
November 21, 2006
(CDC Week 47)
Washington state: No
influenza activity is being reported. All surveillance
indicators are within expected levels for this time of year.
Oregon: Oregon is reporting no influenza
indicators above expected levels.
British Columbia, Canada (weeks 44 and 45): B.C.
has reported one case of influenza A, and one ILI outbreak
in a long-term care facility in Abbotsford in week 44
(Abbotsford is north of Sumac, WA).
November 13, 2006
(CDC Week 46)
Washington State: No
influenza activity is being reported. No school absenteeism
is being reported. Normal rates of sentinel physician visits
and pneumonia and influenza deaths are being reported.
No new influenza isolates have been identified since the two
immune-compromised positives in August and September.
The August influenza A, H1N1 in a
child in King County has been reported by the Centers for
Disease Control as an A/Hawaii/15/2001-like (H1N1).
This is a minor antigenic variant of A/New Caledonia/20/99
which is the H1 component of the 2006-2007 vaccine for the
Northern Hemisphere.
Oregon and Canada:
Oregon and Canada have not reported flu for the last two
weeks.
October 30, 2006
(CDC Week 44)
Washington State: For
week 42 (ending October 21, 2006), Washington State had
below baseline levels of influenza activity reported in all
categories. Two early isolates reported, before regular
influenza surveillance started October 1, were an influenza
A, H1N1 in August and an A, H3N2 in September. Both were in
immune-compromised patients.
Oregon & British Columbia:
No influenza currently being reported.
United States:
Influenza activity for CDC Week 42 was reported as local in
two states (Hawaii and Louisiana); sporadic in nine states
and New York City; no activity was reported in 39 states and
the District of Columbia.
Since October 1, WHO and NREVSS
laboratories tested a total of 3,833 specimens for influenza
viruses, of which 32 (0.8%) were positive. Twenty-four
(75%) were identified as influenza A virus. Twenty-two
(91.7%) of the 24 influenza A viruses have been subtyped: 18
(81.8%) were influenza A (H1) viruses and 4 (18.2%) were
influenza A (H3) viruses. Eight influenza B viruses have
been identified.
CDC has characterized one influenza
virus antigenically as A/New Caledonia/20/99-like, which is
the influenza A (H1) recommended component of the 2006-2007
influenza trivalent vaccine.
October 24, 2006 (CDC Week 43)
King County reported one case of influenza A in each
month of August and September. Both cases were identified
by University of Washington Virology. Each case had
other serious illness unrelated to influenza.
During week 41 (October 8-14, 2006), two specimens
submitted for influenza testing from a Pierce County nursing
home were preliminarily negative. Further testing is being
done on these two cases to determine influenza strains. No
further influenza activity has been confirmed at the State
Virology Laboratory for Washington.
For weeks 40 and 41 no school absenteeism due to
influenza has been reported. Sentinel physician and
pneumonia and influenza surveillance were below baseline
levels.
During week 40 (October 1-7, 2006), a low level of
influenza activity was reported nationally. Three
(0.4%) specimens tested by U.S. World Health Organization
(WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus
Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories were
positive for influenza. Hawaii and Louisiana reported local
influenza activity; Alaska, California, Connecticut, Florida
and West Virginia reported sporadic influenza activity; 41
states, New York City, and the District of Columbia reported
no influenza activity. Two states did not report. The
proportion of patient visits to sentinel providers for
influenza-like (ILI) and the proportion of deaths attributed
to pneumonia and influenza were below baseline levels.
From May 21 through September 30 (CDC weeks 21-39), WHO
and NREVSS laboratories tested 20,909 nationwide specimens
for influenza. Of these, 541 were positive for influenza
as follow: influenza A (H1) = 20.6%, influenza A (H3) = 0.6%,
influenza A (not subtyped) = 36%, influenza B = 42.9%. |
