During week 3 (January 12-18, 2014), influenza activity remained high in the United States. ◦Viral Surveillance: Of 12,108 specimens tested and reported during week 3 by U.S. World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories, 2,793 (23.1%) were positive for influenza. ◦Pneumonia and Influenza Mortality: The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was above the epidemic threshold. ◦Influenza-Associated Pediatric Deaths: Eight influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported. ◦Influenza-associated Hospitalizations: A season-cumulative rate of 17.0 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations per 100,000 population was reported. ◦Outpatient Illness Surveillance: The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) was 3.4%, above the national baseline of 2.0%. All 10 regions reported ILI above region-specific baseline levels. Thirteen states experienced high ILI activity; seven states and New York City experienced moderate ILI activity; 15 states experienced low ILI activity; 15 states experienced minimal ILI activity, and the District of Columbia had insufficient data. ◦Geographic Spread of Influenza: The geographic spread of influenza in 41 states was reported as widespread; eight states and Puerto Rico reported regional influenza activity; the District of Columbia reported local influenza activity; one state and Guam reported sporadic influenza activity, and the U.S. Virgin Islands reported no influenza activity.
Posted on: Sun, 26 Jan 2014 13:29:04 +0000