Influenza Surveillance Update – Alicia Budd (CDC)
Alicia provided an update on influenza activity for Week 45, through the week ending November 9, 2019. Flu activity is continuing to increase across the country.
Positivity data from clinical labs is not available for the week. However, public health labs reported widespread influenza with a mixture of strains among B Victoria (the most commonly reported), H1, and H3. This mixture varies by region of the country and age group of the individual reported. Overall, for persons 0–24 years of age, B Victoria is predominant, while H3 is reported more frequently in persons >65. Alicia noted that it is unusual to see this much influenza B this early in the season.
Outpatient influenza-like illness (ILI) activity was at 2.3%, up slightly from the previous week but still below the baseline of 2.4%. Four regions reported being at or above their baseline levels. The majority of states are continuing to report minimal ILI, though Louisiana continues to report high levels. Deaths from pneumococcal and influenza (P&I) were at 4.9%, below the threshold of 6%.
Two (2) new influenza-related pediatric deaths were reported during the week, with one for the current season and one for last season. This brings to 2019–2020 pediatric deaths total to three. Two of the three cases have been B Victoria, while the influenza A report was not subtyped.
The majority of states are reporting local or sporadic influenza activity.
Alicia noted that release of next week’s report will be delayed due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The updated report will be released on Monday, December 2.
Other Items – Carolyn Bridges
- Summit Call Schedule – Carolyn reminded partners that the next regularly scheduled Summit call will not be held due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The next call will occur on December 4.
- 2020 Summit Meeting – This year’s meeting will be held on May 18, the day prior to the opening of the National Immunization Conference. Information on registration and other pertinent details is available on the Summit website.
