Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-17 (No New Deaths; Total 200)

[Missouriwatcher]

Week 42: Sporadic

? Overall, there is influenza activity continues to be low in Pennsylvania

? Over the last three weeks, we have not seen an increase in flu-related Emergency Department (ED) and out patient doctor-visits in all regions of the state.

? However, we saw a slight increase in the number influenza lab reports last week (week 42) when 16 cases were reported, which is double the number (15) reported during the first two weeks of the season. It is, however, important to note that a majority of reported cases are positive by rapid diagnostic tests which tend to give false positive results this early into the flu season.

? During week 42, the state lab confirmed our first lab confirmed influenza cases - both were influenza A/H3N2. Nealy all (98%) of respiratory specimens that had undergone rapid diagnostic testing (and were positive)prior to submission to the state lab tested negative for influenza at the state lab -- suggesting that most influenza-like illnesses at this time are caused by non-flu organisms, particularly Rhinovirus.

? No flu-related hospitalizations was reported during week 42

? No flu-related death has been reported season-to-date, 11 total deaths were reported last season.

? No flu-related outbreaks were reported season to date. Last season, 23 outbreaks were reported. Most of the outbreaks in long term care facilities were associated with the A/H3 virus subtypes, which commonly causes severe disease and outcomes among the elderly.

? Of the 594 influenza virus specimens tested for resistance to influenza antiviral medication by CDC, only one 2009 H1N1 influenza A (H1N1) virus was found to be resistance to oseltamivir, but sensitive to zanamivir. It contained the H275Y mutation in the neuraminidase.

o High levels of resistance to the adamantanes (amantadine and rimantadine) persist among 2009 influenza A (H1N1) and A (H3N2) viruses currently circulating globally. Influenza B viruses are not susceptible to adamantanes.

o All H3N2v viruses that were tested were sensitive to oseltamivir

o The vast majority of influenza A viruses that were antigenically characterized were closely related to the components included in the 2012-2013 seasonal influenza vaccine for the Northern Hemisphere.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Week 42-44

Week 44: Sporadic
Overall, influenza activity continues to be low in Pennsylvania
? Flu-related Emergency Department (ED) and out patient doctor-visits remained low in all regions of the state. Only 1.2% of all doctor-visits seen in outpatient settings were attributed to influenza-like illnesses (ILI) during week 44, the baseline for the state of Pennsylvania is 2.4%.
? Seventeen (17) were reported during week 44, making a total of 79 reports season-to-date. Influenza has now ben reported in 28 of 67 PA counties with an average of 4 cases per county with cases.
? Of the 79 reported this season (since the beginning of October), 32 have been influenza type A, 42 influenza type B and the type of influenza was not reported in 5 cases.
? During week 44, the state lab confirmed two influenza viruses circulating in the commonwealth - One influenza A/H3N2 and one influenza type B. Season to date, 5 influenza viruses have been confirmed in Pennsylvania - 3 influenza A/H3 and 2 influenza type B.

? No flu-related hospitalizations was reported during week 44, 13 hospitalizations have been reported season-to-date.

? No flu-related death has been reported season-to-date, 11 total deaths were reported last season.

? No flu-related outbreaks were reported season to date. Last season, 23 outbreaks were reported. Most of the outbreaks in long term care facilities were associated with the A/H3 virus subtypes, which commonly causes severe disease and outcomes among the elderly.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Week 42-45

Week 45: Sporadic

? Influenza activity increased slightly during week 45, cases have now been reported in 31 of 67 Pennsylvania counties. However, we continue characterising current flu activity as sporadic (isolated cases) because the number of cases reported per county (median 3, range 1 to 14) is still low compared to previous seasons.

? Flu-related Emergency Department (ED) and out patient doctor-visits remained low in all regions of the state. Only 0.9% of all doctor-visits seen in outpatient settings were attributed to influenza-like illnesses (ILI) during week 45, down from 1.2% the previous week and far below baseline (2.4%).

? Only 2.7% of all respiratory samples from persons with ILI tested positive for influenza at the state lab. Which means a majority of ILI at this time is due to non-flu viruses such as human rhinovirus, rsv, para influenza and adenovirus.

? Fifteen (15) flu cases were reported during week 45, down from 17 reported the previous week. Altogether, 94 flu cases have been reported season-to-date. Influenza has now been reported in 31 of 67 PA counties with an average of 4 cases per county with cases.

? Of the 94 reported cases this season (since the begining of October of 2012), 43 have been influenza type A, 46 influenza type B and the type of influenza was not reported in 5 cases.

? During week 45, the state lab confirmed two influenza viruses circulating in the commonwealth - One influenza A/H3N2 and one influenza type B. Season to date, 8 influenza viruses have been confirmed in Pennsylvania - 5 influenza A/H3 and 3 influenza type B.

? No flu-related hospitalizations was reported during week 45, 15 hospitalizations have been reported season-to-date.

? No flu-related death has been reported season-to-date, 11 total deaths were reported last season.

? No flu-related outbreaks were reported season to date. Last season, 23 outbreaks were reported. Most of the outbreaks in long term care facilities were associated with the A/H3 virus subtypes, which commonly causes severe disease and outcomes among the elderly.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Week 42-47

Week 47: Sporadic
? Influenza activity increased slightly during week 47, cases have now been reported in 41 of 67 Pennsylvania counties. However, we continue characterising current flu activity as sporadic (isolated cases) because the number of cases reported per county (median 3, range 1 to 31) is still low compared to previous seasons.

? Flu-related Emergency Department (ED) and out patient doctor-visits remained low in all regions of the state. Only 1% of all doctor-visits seen in outpatient settings were attributed to influenza-like illnesses (ILI) during week 47, a slight jump from 0.8% during week 46 but still far below the state baseline (2.4%).

? Only 5% of all respiratory samples from persons with ILI tested positive for influenza at the state lab. Which means a majority of ILI at this time is due to non-flu viruses including but not limited to, human rhinovirus, rsv, para influenza and adenovirus.

? Seventy six (76) flu cases were reported during week 47, up from 44 reported the previous week. Altogether, 214 flu cases have been reported season-to-date. Influenza has now been reported in 41 of 67 PA counties with an average of 4 cases per county with cases.

? Of the 214 reported cases this season (since the begining of October of 2012), 128 have been influenza type A, 77 influenza type B and the type of influenza was not determined in 9 cases.

? As of week 47, the state lab had confirmed 11 influenza viruses circulating in the commonwealth - 7 influenza A/H3N2's and 4 influenza type B.

? Seven (7) flu-related hospitalizations was reported during week 47, 25 have been reorted season-to-date.

? No flu-related death has been reported season-to-date, 11 total deaths were reported last season.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-48

Week 48: Regional
? Influenza activity increased during week 48, cases have now been reported in 53 of 67 Pennsylvania counties. Current activity is characterized as regional because a majority of recent cases and outbreaks occured in the western half of the state.

? Flu-related Emergency Department (ED) are also on the increase statewide; 3 counties (Cumberland, Clearfield and Allegheny counties) reported more than usual flu-related ED visits during week 48. And there was an increase in flu-related doctor-visits in outpatient settings; 1.4% of outpatient doctor-visits during week 48 were attributed to influenza-like illnesses (ILI) up from 0.8% during week 47.

? More than a third (8/38%) of 21 samples from persons tested by the state lab during week 48 were positive for influenza, up from <5% since the start of the season and way above the baseline (10%). Which means a majority of ILI at this time may be due to influenza. It also important to note that several non-flu viruses including, human rhinovirus, rsv, para influenza and adenovirus continue being detected in Pennsylvania. These viruses should be considered as posible causes of influenza-like illnesses.

? One hundred seventy three (173) flu cases were reported during week 48, more than double of (76) what was reported duirng week 47. Altogether, 387 flu cases have been reported season-to-date which is higher than what is generated reported at this time of the year.

? Of the 387 reported cases this season (since the begining of October of 2012), 270 have been influenza type A, 107 influenza type B and the type of influenza was not determined in 9 cases.

? As of week 48, the state lab had subtyped 18 influenza viruses. Of these, 13 were influenza A/H3N2's, one 2009 H1N1 and 4 influenza type B.

? Sixteen (16) flu-related hospitalizations was reported during week 48, up from 7 reported the previous week. Season-to-date, 41 hospitalizations have been reported.

? No flu-related death has been reported season-to-date, 11 total deaths were reported last season.

? Two (2) flu-related outbreaks were reported during week 48 - one in the north central district and another in the western part of the state - these are the first reported outbreaks for this season.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-49 (One Death Reported)

Summary of flu activity in Pennsylvania during week 49:

Flu-related Emergency Department visits were elevated in three regions of the state.

2.7% of reported outpatient doctor-visits were attributed to ILI, up from 1.9% for week 48 - above the baseline (2.4%).

448 flu cases were reported during week 49, more than double what was reported the week before. Twelve cases were reported this time last season.

Nearly all (404/90%) of reported cases were flu type A, 38 were flu type B and the type of flu was not reported for 4 cases.

There was an increase in reported cases in all regions of the state, particularly the Northcentral, Southwest, Southwest and Northcentral regions.

Influenza cases have now been reported in 58 of 67 Pennsylvania counties.

32 hospitalizations were reported during week 49, up from 20 reported the week before. Hospitalizations included 5 children but were mostly in older individuals, median age 69 (range 0 to 90) years.

Three influenza outbreaks were reported during week 49, making 6 the total number reported this season.

One influenza-related death was reported during week 49, the first flu-related death this season.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-50

Week 50: Widespread

Flu-related Emergency Department visits were elevated in all regions of the state.

3.37&#37; of reported outpatient doctor-visits were attributed to ILI, up from 2.7% for week 50 which is above baseline (2.4%).

993 flu cases were reported during week 50, more than double what was reported the week before. This is a lot more flu than what is reported at this time in past seasons. Because the flu does not peak until mid-January or February, now is the time to get vaccinated.

Nearly all reported cases were flu type A, with influenza type B co circulating at low levels. Circulating viruses are similar to strains included in this years influenza vaccine.

There was an increase in reported cases in all regions of the state, particularly the Northcentral, Southwest, Southwest and Northcentral regions.

Influenza cases have now been reported in 60 of 67 Pennsylvania counties.

54 flu-related hospitalizations were reported during week 50, up from 32 reported the week before. Hospitalizations included 8 children (<18 years old), 10 ICU admissions and mostly elderly individuals, median age 67 (range 0 to 90) years.

Four influenza outbreaks were reported during week 50, making 10 the total number reported this season.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-51

Summary of flu activity in Pennsylvania during week 51: Widespread
? Flu-related Emergency Department visits were elevated in all regions of the state.

? 9.3% of reported outpatient doctor-visits were attributed to ILI, up from 3.37% for week 50 which is above baseline (2.4%).

? 2196 flu cases were reported during week 51, more than double (933) what was reported the week before. This is a lot more flu than what is reported at this time in past seasons. Because the flu does not peak until mid-January or February, now is the time to get vaccinated.

? Nearly all reported cases were flu type A, with influenza type B co circulating at low levels. Circulating viruses are similar to strains included in this years influenza vaccine.

? There was an increase in reported cases in all regions of the state, particularly the Southeast, Southwest, Southwest and Northcentral regions.

? Influenza cases have now been reported in all but one Pennsylvania counties.

? 91 flu-related hospitalizations were reported during week 51, up from 57 reported the week before. The median age of hospitalizations is 67 years (range 0 to 90) years.

? Three influenza outbreaks were reported in the northeast and northcentral regions during week 51, making 14 the total number reported this season.

? One influenza-related death was reported this season.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

[JimO]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-51

Here is the Week 51 Hospitalizations chart for PA:

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-52 (Three New Deaths; Total Four)

Summary of flu activity in Pennsylvania during week 52: Widespread
? Flu-related Emergency Department visits were elevated in all regions of the state.

? 9.8% of reported outpatient doctor-visits were attributed to ILI, which is three times above baseline (2.4%).

? 3, 193 flu cases were reported during week 51, up from 2, 196 cases reported the week before. This is a lot more flu than what is reported at this time in past seasons. Because the flu does not peak until mid-January or February, now is the time to get vaccinated.

? Influenza is now the most commonly detected virus in respiratory samples that are submitted to the state lab for confirmatory testing.

? A majority of influenza viruses circulating at the A/H3N2, a strain that generally causes severe illness in older age groups. Viruses circulating this season similar to strains included in this years influenza vaccine.

? Influenza cases have now been reported in all but one Pennsylvania counties.

? 202 flu-related hospitalizations were reported during week 52, up from 91 reported the week before. The median age of hospitalizations is 67 years (range 0 to 90) years.

? Twenty one (21) influenza-related outbreaks were reported during week 52, making 42 the total number reported this season. T

? Three influenza-related deaths was reported last week, making 4 the total number of flu-related deaths reported season-to-date.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-1 (18 New Deaths; Total 22)

Week 01: Widespread
? Flu-related Emergency Department visits remain elevated in all regions of the state. Flu-related illnesses accounted for 3% to 40% (median 4.7%) of all Emergency Department visits reported by sentinel hospitals.

? 7.8% of reported outpatient doctor-visits were attributed to ILI, which is three times above baseline (2.4%).

? 11, 327 lab positive cases have been reported season-to-date. 4, 256 flu cases were reported during week 1, up from 3, 158 cases reported during week 52. More than 7, 000 flu cases were reported during the last two weeks of December of 2012. Because the flu does not peak until mid-January or February, now is the time to get vaccinated.

? A majority of influenza viruses circulating at the A/H3N2, a strain that generally causes severe illness in older age groups. Viruses circulating this season similar to strains included in this years influenza vaccine.

? Influenza cases have now been reported in all Pennsylvania counties.

? 487 flu-related hospitalizations were reported during week 01, up from 244 reported the week before. Altogether, 971 hospitalizations have been reported season to date. The median age of hospitalizations is 67 years (range 0 to 90) years.

? Thirty (30) influenza-related outbreaks were reported during week 01, up from 21 reported the previous week. Altogether, 72 outbreaks have been reported season-to-date. This is further evidence of the impact the this strain on influenza can have on the elderly. Vaccinating employees and residents of long term care facilities, along with infection control practices can limit the impact of influenza. Pennsylvania hospitals and long term care facilities with >90% influenza vaccine coverage can be found at, http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal...1008994&mode=2.

? Eighteen (18) influenza-related deaths were reported last week, making 22 the total number of flu-related deaths reported season-to-date. A majority of reported deaths are among the elderly (persons >65 years of age). However, two deaths involved otherwise healthy young individuals under 50 years of age. No pediatric flu-related death has been reported season to date.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-2 (18 New Deaths; Total 40)

Summary of flu activity in Pennsylvania during week 2:
? Flu-related Emergency Department visits remain elevated in all regions of the state.

? Six (6%) of reported outpatient doctor-visits were attributed to ILI, which is above baseline (2.4%).

? 16, 511 lab positive cases have been reported season-to-date. 5, 059 flu cases were reported during week 2, up from 4, 256 cases reported during week 1. Because has not peaked and activity may continue until March, it is not too late to get vaccinated.

? A majority of illness at this time is caused by influenza A/H3N2, a strain that generally causes severe illness in older age groups. Viruses circulating this season similar to strains included in this years influenza vaccine.

? Influenza cases have now been reported in all Pennsylvania counties.

? 433 flu-related hospitalizations were reported during week 2, down from 511 reported the week before. Altogether, 971 hospitalizations have been reported season to date. The median age of hospitalizations is 67 years (range 0 to 90) years.

? Fifty two (52) influenza-related outbreaks were reported during week 2. Altogether, 144 outbreaks have been reported season-to-date. This is further evidence of the impact influenza can have on the elderly. Vaccinating employees and residents of long term care facilities, along with infection control practices can limit the impact of influenza. A list of Pennsylvania hospitals and long term care facilities with >90% influenza vaccine coverage among employees can be found at, http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal...1008994&mode=2.

? Eighteen (18) influenza-related deaths were reported last week, making 40 the total number of flu-related deaths reported season-to-date. A majority of reported deaths are among the elderly (persons >65 years of age). No pediatric (person <18 years) flu-related death has been reported this season.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

[jeffrey]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-2 (18 New Deaths; Total 40)

Summary of flu activity in Pennsylvania during week 2:
? Flu-related Emergency Department visits remain elevated in all regions of the state.

? Six (6%) of reported outpatient doctor-visits were attributed to ILI, which is above baseline (2.4%).

? 16, 511 lab positive cases have been reported season-to-date. 5, 059 flu cases were reported during week 2, up from 4, 256 cases reported during week 1. Because has not peaked and activity may continue until March, it is not too late to get vaccinated.

? A majority of illness at this time is caused by influenza A/H3N2, a strain that generally causes severe illness in older age groups. Viruses circulating this season similar to strains included in this years influenza vaccine.

? Influenza cases have now been reported in all Pennsylvania counties.

? 433 flu-related hospitalizations were reported during week 2, down from 511 reported the week before. Altogether, 971 hospitalizations have been reported season to date. The median age of hospitalizations is 67 years (range 0 to 90) years.

? Fifty two (52) influenza-related outbreaks were reported during week 2. Altogether, 144 outbreaks have been reported season-to-date. This is further evidence of the impact influenza can have on the elderly. Vaccinating employees and residents of long term care facilities, along with infection control practices can limit the impact of influenza. A list of Pennsylvania hospitals and long term care facilities with >90% influenza vaccine coverage among employees can be found at, http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal...1008994&mode=2.

? Eighteen (18) influenza-related deaths were reported last week, making 40 the total number of flu-related deaths reported season-to-date. A majority of reported deaths are among the elderly (persons >65 years of age). No pediatric (person <18 years) flu-related death has been reported this season.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal...=557490&mode=2

If there were 22 last week and now there are 40, would that not be another 18 this week? Am I confused, which is very possible! Thank you as you never really make mistakes!

[JimO]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-2 (No New Deaths; Total 40)

It looks like it says 18 deaths in Week 2.

Here is a table showing deaths by county.

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-2 (18 New Deaths; Total 40)

I make plenty of them I just misinterpreted Thank you...and feel free to edit whenever you notice.