Influenza Surveillance 2012-2013

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Influenza Surveillance 2012-2013

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 4 2013(21st ? 27thJanuary 2013)

Summary
? Influenza activity in Ireland remained stable during week 4 2013, compared to the previous week. Hospitalisations and outbreaks associated with influenza/influenza‐like illness continue to be reported.
o The sentinel GP influenza‐like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 48.5 per 100,000 population in week 4 2013, remaining unchanged compared to the updated rate of 47.2 per 100,000 during week 3 2013.
􀂊 ILI rates are above the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population)
􀂊 ILI age specific rates increased significantly in the 5‐14 year age group
? The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out‐of‐Hours services increased slightly during week 4 2013.
? Influenza positivity decreased to 12.9% during week 4 2013, compared to 22.2% during the previous week. Twenty‐seven influenza B, three influenza A (H3) and one influenza A (unsubtyped) positive specimens were reported from the NVRL for week 4 2013.
? Influenza B remains the dominant circulating influenza virus to date this season, accounting for 86.6% of all influenza positive specimens detected by the NVRL this season. Influenza A and B positivity decreased during week 4 2013, compared to the previous week.
? Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity peaked during week 51 2012 and has decreased significantly since. RSV continues to circulate at low levels.
?
Positivity levels for adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses and human metapneumovirus have remained at low levels this season.
? During week 4 2013, 20 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, ten associated with influenza A and 10 with influenza B. To date this season, 86 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 77.9% were associated with influenza B.
? Nine adult and two paediatric confirmed influenza cases have been admitted to critical care to date this season. Of these 11 cases, eight were associated with influenza B, one with influenza A (H1)pdm09 and two with influenza A (unsubtyped). Thirty‐two RSV*paediatric cases were also admitted to critical care this season.
? There were no reports of any confirmed influenza‐associated deaths occurring this season to date.
? One ILI outbreak in a school was reported to HPSC during week 4 2013.
? Influenza activity remained high and increasing in many European countries during week 3 2013, although transmission may have peaked in some countries, particularly in Western Europe.
...

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Influenza Surveillance 2012-2013

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 5 2013 (28th January ? 3rd February 2013)

Summary
?Influenza activity in Ireland increased during week 5 2013, compared to the previous week. Hospitalisations and outbreaks associated with influenza/influenza‐like illness continue to be reported.
oThe sentinel GP influenza‐like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 62.2 per 100,000 population in week 5 2013, an increase compared to the updated rate of 48.0 per 100,000 during week 4 2013.
􀂊ILI rates are above the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population).
􀂊ILI age specific rates were highest in the 5‐14 year age group.
?The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out‐of‐Hours services remained stable during week 5 2013, compared to the previous week.
?Influenza positivity increased to 31.3% during week 5 2013, compared to 17.8% during the previous week. Fifty‐seven influenza B, eight influenza A(H3) and five influenza A(H1)pdm09 positive specimens were reported from the NVRL for week 5 2013.
?Influenza B remains the dominant circulating influenza virus to date this season, accounting for 81.4% of all influenza positive specimens detected by the NVRL this season. Influenza A and B positivity increased during week 5 2013, compared to the previous week.
?Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity peaked during week 51 2012 and has decreased significantly since. RSV continues to circulate at low levels.
?Positivity levels for adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses and human metapneumovirus have remained at low levels this season.
?During week 5 2013, 16 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, three associated with influenza A and 13 with influenza B. To date this season, 101 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 79.2% were associated with influenza B.
?Nine adult and four paediatric confirmed influenza cases have been admitted to critical care to date this season. Of these 13 cases, 10 were associated with influenza B, one with influenza A (H1)pdm09 and two with influenza A (unsubtyped). Thirty‐two RSV*paediatric cases were also admitted to critical care this season.
?One confirmed influenza B‐associated death was reported to HPSC to date this season.
?Three acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during week 5 2013.
?Influenza activity continued to increase in week 4 2013 across Europe, although the epidemic may have passed its peak in some north‐western countries.
...

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Influenza Surveillance 2012-2013

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 6 2013 (4th ? 10th February 2013)

Summary
?Several indicators of influenza activity in Ireland decreased slightly during week 6 2013, compared to the previous week, however influenza‐associated hospitalisations continue to be reported.
oThe sentinel GP influenza‐like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 58.8 per 100,000 population in week 6 2013, a slight decrease compared to the updated rate of 60.7 per 100,000 during week 5 2013.
􀂊ILI rates are above the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population).
􀂊ILI age specific rates were highest in the 5‐14 year age group.
?The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out‐of‐Hours services decreased slightly during week 6 2013, compared to the previous week.
?Influenza positivity decreased to 26.8% during week 6 2013, compared to 35.6% during the previous week. Forty‐eight influenza B, 15 influenza A(H3), seven influenza A(H1)pdm09 and one influenza A (unsubtyped) positive specimens were reported from the NVRL for week 6 2013.
?Influenza B remains the dominant circulating influenza virus to date this season, accounting for 82.8% of all influenza positive specimens detected by the NVRL this season.
?Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity peaked during week 51 2012 and has decreased significantly since. RSV continues to circulate at low levels.
?Positivity levels for adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses and human metapneumovirus have remained at low levels this season.
?During week 6 2013, 26 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, six associated with influenza A and 20 with influenza B. To date this season, 127 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 78.7% were associated with influenza B.
?Nine adult and four paediatric confirmed influenza cases have been admitted to critical care to date this season. Of these 13 cases, 10 were associated with influenza B, one with influenza A (H1)pdm09 and two with influenza A (unsubtyped). Thirty‐two RSV*paediatric cases were also admitted to critical care this season.
?To date this season, one confirmed influenza B‐associated death was reported to HPSC (during week 5 2013).
?One acute respiratory outbreak was reported to HPSC during week 6 2013.
?Influenza activity continued to rise across Europe during week 5 2013. In a few European countries, influenza epidemics have passed their peaks, although some countries have experienced a resurgence of ILI activity.

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Influenza Surveillance 2012-2013

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 7 2013 (11th ? 18th February 2013)

Summary
?Several indicators of influenza activity in Ireland decreased during week 7 2013, compared to the previous week, however influenza‐associated hospitalisations and outbreaks continue to be reported.
oThe sentinel GP influenza‐like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 40.9 per 100,000 population in week 7 2013, a decrease compared to the updated rate of 58.1 per 100,000 during week 6 2013.
􀂊ILI rates are above the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population).
􀂊ILI age specific rates decreased in all age groups.
?The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out‐of‐Hours services decreased during week 7 2013, compared to the previous week.
?Influenza positivity decreased to 18.8% during week 7 2013, compared to 33.8% during the previous week. Twenty‐four influenza B, 12 influenza A(H3) and nine influenza A(H1)pdm09 positive specimens were reported from the NVRL for week 7 2013.
?During week 7 2013, both influenza A and B were co‐circulating.
?Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity peaked during week 51 2012 and has decreased significantly since. RSV continues to circulate at low levels.
?Positivity levels for adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses and human metapneumovirus have remained at low levels this season.
?During week 7 2013, 40 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 11 associated with influenza A and 29 with influenza B. To date this season, 167 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 77.2% were associated with influenza B.
?Ten adult and four paediatric confirmed influenza cases have been admitted to critical care to date this season. Of these 14 cases, 10 were associated with influenza B, one with influenza A (H1)pdm09 and three with influenza A (unsubtyped). Thirty‐two RSV*paediatric cases were also admitted to critical care this season.
?To date this season, one confirmed influenza B‐associated death was reported to HPSC (during week 5 2013).
?Four acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during week 7 2013.
?Significant influenza activity continued across Europe in week 6 2013, despite having peaked in a few countries in earlier weeks.
...

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Influenza Surveillance 2012-2013

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 8 2013 (18th ? 24th February 2013)

Summary
?Influenza activity in Ireland stabilised during week 8 2013, compared to the previous week, however influenza‐associated hospitalisations and outbreaks continue to be reported.
oThe sentinel GP influenza‐like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 39.7 per 100,000 population in week 8 2013, remaining stable compared to the updated rate of 39.8 per 100,000 during week 7 2013.
􀂊ILI rates are above the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population).
􀂊ILI age specific rates were highest in the 15‐64 year age group during week 8 2013.
?The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out‐of‐Hours services decreased during week 8 2013, for the second consecutive week.
?Influenza positivity was 27.4% during week 8 2013, compared to 26.8% during the previous week. Twenty‐four influenza A(H3), 16 influenza A(H1)pdm09, 6 A (unsubtyped) and 31 influenza B, positive specimens were reported from the NVRL for week 8 2013.
oThe percentage positivity for influenza A (59.7%) was higher than for influenza B (40.3%).
?Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity remained at low levels during week 8 2013.
?Positivity levels for adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses and human metapneumovirus have remained at low levels this season.
?During week 8 2013, 36 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 17 associated with influenza A and 19 with influenza B. To date this season, 204 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 72.5% were associated with influenza B.
?Ten adult and four paediatric confirmed influenza cases have been admitted to critical care to date this season. Of these 14 cases, 10 were associated with influenza B, one with influenza A (H1)pdm09 and three with influenza A (unsubtyped). Thirty‐two RSV*paediatric cases were also admitted to critical care this season.
?To date this season, one confirmed influenza B‐associated death was reported to HPSC (during week 5 2013).
?Six acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during week 8 2013.
?Influenza activity remained significant in week 7 2013 across Europe; however an increasing number of countries reported declining influenza transmission.
? The WHO consultation on the composition of influenza virus vaccines for the Northern Hemisphere 2013/2014 took place on the 21st February 2013. Further details on these recommendations can be found here.
...

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Influenza Surveillance 2012-2013

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 9 2013 (25th February ? 3rd March 2013)

Summary
?Influenza activity in Ireland remained stable during week 9 2013, with influenza‐associated hospitalisations and outbreaks continuing to be reported.
?Overall, there are some indications of declining influenza transmission; however localised activity particularly in the Eastern region remained high.
?The sentinel GP influenza‐like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 44.6 per 100,000 population in week 9 2013, a slight increase compared to the updated rate of 39.9 per 100,000 during week 8 2013.
􀂊ILI rates have now remained above the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population) for 12 weeks this season.
􀂊ILI age specific rates were highest in the 5‐14 year age group during week 9 2013.
?The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out‐of‐Hours services decreased slightly during week 9 2013, for the third consecutive week.
?Influenza positivity decreased during week 9 2013 to 22.9%, compared to 30.1% during the previous week. Twenty‐five influenza A(H3), 7 influenza A(H1)pdm09, 6 A (unsubtyped) and 26 influenza B positive specimens were reported from the NVRL for week 9 2013.
oThe percentage positivity for influenza A (59.4%) was higher than for influenza B (40.6%).
?Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity remained at low levels during week 9 2013.
?Positivity levels for adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses and human metapneumovirus have remained at low levels this season.
?During week 9 2013, 34 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 16 associated with influenza A and 18 with influenza B. To date this season, 239 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 69.5% were associated with influenza B.
?Ten adult and four paediatric confirmed influenza cases have been admitted to critical care to date this season. Of these 14 cases, 10 were associated with influenza B, one with influenza A (H1)pdm09 and three with influenza A (unsubtyped). Thirty‐two RSV*paediatric cases were also admitted to critical care this season.
?To date this season, two confirmed influenza B‐associated deaths were reported to HPSC.
?Two acute respiratory outbreaks in residential care facilities were reported to HPSC during week 9 2013.
?Influenza activity remained substantial in week 8 2013 across Europe; however an increasing number of countries reported declining transmission.
...

http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20122013Season/File,13920,en.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Influenza Surveillance 2012-2013

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 10 2013 (4th ? 10th March 2013)

Summary
? Influenza activity in Ireland decreased during week 10 2013; however influenza‐associated
hospitalisations and outbreaks continue to be reported.
? The sentinel GP influenza‐like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 34.7 per 100,000 population in week 10
2013, a slight decrease compared to the updated rate of 41.3 per 100,000 during week 9 2013.
􀂊 ILI rates have now remained above the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population) for
13 weeks this season.
􀂊 ILI age specific rates were highest in the 15‐64 year age group during week 10 2013.
? The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out‐of‐Hours services remained stable during week 10
2013.
? Influenza positivity decreased during week 10 2013 to 21.5%, compared to 25.7% during the previous
week. Twenty‐six influenza A(H3), 16 influenza A(H1)pdm09, 6 A (unsubtyped) and 24 influenza B positive
specimens were reported from the NVRL for week 10 2013.
o The percentage positivity for influenza A (66.7%) was higher than for influenza B (33.3%).
? Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity remained at low levels during week 10 2013.
? Positivity levels for adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses and human metapneumovirus have remained at low
levels this season.
? During week 10 2013, 20 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 15 associated with
influenza A and 5 with influenza B. To date this season, 259 confirmed influenza cases were reported as
hospitalised, 66.0% were associated with influenza B.
? Fourteen adult and four paediatric confirmed influenza cases have been admitted to critical care to date
this season. Of these 18 cases, 10 were associated with influenza B, five with influenza A (H1)pdm09, one
influenza A (H3) and two with influenza A (unsubtyped). Thirty‐two RSV*paediatric cases were also
admitted to critical care this season.
? To date this season, two confirmed influenza B‐associated deaths were reported to HPSC.
? Seven acute respiratory outbreaks in residential care facilities/community hospitals were reported to HPSC
during week 10 2013.
? Influenza activity remained substantial in week 9 2013 across Europe; however an increasing number of
countries reported declining transmission.
...

http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20122013Season/File,13934,en.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Influenza Surveillance 2012-2013

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 11 2013 (11th ? 17th March 2013)

?Influenza activity in Ireland decreased during week 11 2013; however influenza‐associated hospitalisations and outbreaks continue to be reported.
?The sentinel GP influenza‐like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 22.9 per 100,000 population in week 11 2013, a decrease compared to the updated rate of 32.9 per 100,000 during week 10 2013.
􀂊ILI rates have now remained above the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population) for 14 continuous weeks this season.
􀂊ILI age specific rates were highest in the 15‐64 year age group during week 11 2013.
?The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out‐of‐Hours services decreased slightly during week 11 2013, compared to the previous week.
?Influenza positivity decreased during week 11 2013 to 20.9%, compared to 25.4% during the previous week. Twenty‐one influenza A(H3), 15 influenza A(H1)pdm09 and 16 influenza B positive specimens were reported from the NVRL for week 11 2013.
oThe percentage positivity for influenza A (69.2%) was higher than for influenza B (30.8%).
?Positivity levels for parainfluenza virus type 3 increased during weeks 10 and 11 2013. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity has remained at low levels for the last 8 weeks.
?Positivity levels for adenovirus and human metapneumovirus have remained at low levels this season.
?During week 11 2013, 28 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 18 associated with influenza A and 10 with influenza B. To date this season, 292 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 62.7% were associated with influenza B.
?Fourteen adult and four paediatric confirmed influenza cases have been admitted to critical care to date this season. Of these 18 cases, 10 were associated with influenza B, five with influenza A (H1)pdm09, one influenza A (H3) and two with influenza A (unsubtyped). Thirty‐two RSV*paediatric cases were also admitted to critical care this season.
?To date this season, two confirmed influenza B‐associated deaths were reported to HPSC.
?Four acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during week 11 2013. To date this season, 40 acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC.
?Influenza activity remained substantial in week 10 2013 across Europe; however an increasing number of countries reported declining transmission.
...

http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20122013Season/File,13947,en.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Influenza Surveillance 2012-2013

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 12 2013 (18th ? 24th March 2013)

Summary
?Influenza activity in Ireland decreased during week 12 2013; however influenza‐associated hospitalisations and outbreaks continue to be reported.
?Influenza activity in the Eastern region remained at elevated levels, associated with continuing influenza/ILI outbreaks.
?The sentinel GP influenza‐like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 19.5 per 100,000 population in week 12 2013, a decrease compared to the updated rate of 23.7 per 100,000 during week 11 2013.
􀂊ILI rates are now below the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population).
􀂊ILI age specific rates were highest in those aged 65 years or older during week 12 2013.
?The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out‐of‐Hours services increased slightly during week 12 2013, compared to the previous week. This increase was likely associated with the bank holiday that fell during week 12 2013.
?Influenza positivity decreased during week 12 2013 to 19.8%, compared to 23.7% during the previous week. Thirty‐one influenza A(H3), 9 influenza A(H1)pdm09, 8 influenza A (unsubtyped) and 11 influenza B positive specimens were reported from the NVRL for week 12 2013.
oInfluenza A(H3) was the predominant influenza virus circulating during week 12 2013.
?Positivity levels for parainfluenza virus type 3 have increased each week for three consecutive weeks since week 9 2013.
?Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity has remained at low levels for the last 9 weeks.
?Positivity levels for adenovirus and human metapneumovirus have remained at low levels this season.
?During week 12 2013, 20 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 11 associated with influenza A and 9 with influenza B. To date this season, 313 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 61.7% were associated with influenza B.
?Twenty adult and ten paediatric confirmed influenza cases have been admitted to critical care to date this season. Of these 30 cases, 16 were associated with influenza B, nine with influenza A (H1)pdm09, two influenza A (H3) and three with influenza A (unsubtyped). Thirty‐two RSV*paediatric cases were also admitted to critical care this season.
?To date this season, four confirmed influenza associated deaths have been reported to HPSC, one associated with influenza A (H1)pdm2009 and three associated with influenza B.
?Two acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during week 12 2013. To date this season, 42 acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC.
?In Europe, influenza activity continued to decline or return to baseline levels during week 11 2013. After more than three months of active transmission, the 2012/2013 influenza season is waning and slowly moving towards its close.
...

http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20122013Season/File,13968,en.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Influenza Surveillance 2012-2013

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 13 2013 (25th ? 31st March 2013)

Summary
?Influenza activity in Ireland remained stable during week 13 2013; however influenza‐associated hospitalisations and outbreaks continue to be reported.
?Influenza activity in the Eastern region remained at elevated levels, associated with continuing influenza/ILI outbreaks.
?The sentinel GP influenza‐like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 23.8 per 100,000 population in week 13 2013, a slight increase compared to the updated rate of 18.4 per 100,000 during week 12 2013.
􀂊The ILI consultation rate was above the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population).
􀂊ILI age specific rates were highest in those aged 15‐64 years during week 13 2013.
?The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out‐of‐Hours services decreased slightly during week 13 2013, compared to the previous week.
?Influenza positivity increased slightly during week 13 2013 to 26.5%, compared to 20.1% during the previous week. Forty influenza A(H3), 14 influenza A(H1)pdm09, 9 influenza A (unsubtyped) and 5 influenza B positive specimens were reported from the NVRL for week 13 2013.
oInfluenza A(H3) was the predominant influenza virus circulating during week 13 2013.
?Positivity levels for parainfluenza virus type 3 and adenovirus increased slightly in recent weeks.
?Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity remained at low levels during week 13 2013.
?During week 13 2013, 28 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 21 associated with influenza A and 7 with influenza B. To date this season, 343 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 58.6% were associated with influenza B.
?Twenty‐two adult and ten paediatric confirmed influenza cases have been admitted to critical care to date this season. Of these 32 cases, 16 were associated with influenza B, ten with influenza A (H1)pdm09, three influenza A (H3) and three with influenza A (unsubtyped). Thirty‐two RSV*paediatric cases were also admitted to critical care this season.
?To date this season, five confirmed influenza associated deaths have been reported to HPSC, one associated with influenza A (H1)pdm2009, one with influenza A (unsubtyped) and three associated with influenza B.
?Eleven new acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during week 13 2013. To date this season, 55 acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC.
?In Europe, influenza activity continued to decline or return to baseline levels during week 12 2013.
? Nine cases of human infection with influenza A(H7N9) in China have been reported by ECDC. Three of the cases have died and the remaining six are in a critical condition. For up to date information on the current case numbers and the WHO assessment of the situation please see here. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has published a rapid risk assessment of the situation, see here.
...

http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20122013Season/File,13976,en.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Influenza Surveillance 2012-2013

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 14 2013 (1st ? 7th April 2013)

Summary
?Influenza activity in Ireland decreased during week 14 2013; however influenza continued to circulate associated with on‐going outbreaks particularly in residential care facilities.
?The sentinel GP influenza‐like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 15.3 per 100,000 population in week 14 2013, a decrease compared to the updated rate of 21.9 per 100,000 during week 13 2013.
􀂊The ILI consultation rate was below the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population).
􀂊ILI age specific rates were low in all age groups
?The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out‐of‐Hours services remained stable during week 14 2013, compared to the previous week.
?Influenza positivity decreased during week 14 2013 to 19.9%, compared to 27.5% during the previous week. Thirty‐six influenza A(H3), 14 influenza A(H1)pdm09, 5 influenza A (unsubtyped) and 4 influenza B positive specimens were reported from the NVRL for week 14 2013.
oInfluenza A(H3) was the predominant influenza virus circulating during week 14 2013.
?Positivity levels for parainfluenza virus type 3 and human metapneumovirus increased slightly during week 14 2013. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity remained at low levels during week 14 2013.
?During week 14 2013, 14 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 12 associated with influenza A and 2 with influenza B. To date this season, 357 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 56.9% were associated with influenza B.
?Twenty‐three adult and ten paediatric confirmed influenza cases have been admitted to critical care to date this season. Of these 33 cases, 15 were associated with influenza B, 12 with influenza A (H1)pdm09, five influenza A (H3) and one with influenza A (unsubtyped). Thirty‐two RSV paediatric cases were also admitted to critical care this season.
?To date this season, six confirmed influenza associated deaths have been reported to HPSC, two associated with influenza A(H3), two with influenza A (unsubtyped) and two associated with influenza B. (this does not agree with previous reports - Ro)
?Eight new acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during week 14 2013. To date this season, 63 acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC.
?In Europe, influenza activity continued to decline or return to baseline levels during week 13 2013.
?Twenty‐eight cases of human infection with influenza A(H7N9) in China have been reported by WHO, including nine deaths, 14 severe cases and five mild cases.
o For up to date information on the current case numbers and the WHO assessment of the situation please see here. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has published a rapid risk assessment of the situation, see here.
...

http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20122013Season/File,14012,en.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Influenza Surveillance 2012-2013

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 15 2013 (8th ? 14th April 2013)
Summary
? Influenza activity in Ireland remained stable during week 15 2013. Acute respiratory outbreaks
particularly in residential care facilities and influenza hospitalisations are continuing to be reported.
? The sentinel GP influenza‐like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 16.1 per 100,000 population in week 15
2013, remaining stable compared to the updated rate of 16.5 per 100,000 during week 14 2013.
􀂊 The ILI consultation rate was below the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population) and
has been for two consecutive weeks.
􀂊 ILI age specific rates were low in all age groups
? The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out‐of‐Hours services decreased during week 15 2013,
compared to the previous week.
? Influenza positivity increased during week 15 2013 to 29.5%, compared to 23.9% during the previous
week. Sixty influenza A(H3), 13 influenza A(H1)pdm09, 6 influenza A (not subtyped) and 7 influenza B
positive specimens were reported from the NVRL for week 15 2013.
o Influenza A(H3) was the predominant influenza virus circulating during week 15 2013.
? Positivity levels for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza viruses and
adenoviruses remained at low levels during week 15 2013.
? During week 15 2013, 40 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 33 associated with
influenza A and 7 with influenza B. To date this season, 399 confirmed influenza cases were reported as
hospitalised, 47.1% associated with influenza A and 52.8% associated with influenza B.
? Thirty‐one adults and ten paediatric confirmed influenza cases have been admitted to critical care to date
this season. Of these 41 cases, 16 were associated with influenza B, 16 with influenza A (H1)pdm09, seven
influenza A (H3) and two with influenza A (not subtyped). Thirty‐two RSV paediatric cases were also
admitted to critical care this season.
? To date this season, eight confirmed influenza associated deaths have been reported to HPSC, two
associated with influenza A(H3), one influenza A (H1)pdm09, two with influenza A (not subtyped) and
three associated with influenza B.
? Thirteen new acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during week 15 2013. To date this
season, 73 acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported to HPSC.
? In Europe, influenza activity continued to decline or has already returned to baseline levels. After more
than three months of active influenza transmission, the 2012/2013 influenza season is waning and getting
closer to its end.
? Up to April 17th, 82 cases of human infection with influenza A(H7N9) in China have been reported by WHO,
including 17 deaths.
o For up to date information on the current case numbers and the WHO assessment of the situation
please see here. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has published
additional information including an updated rapid risk assessment of the situation, see here.
...

http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20122013Season/File,14022,en.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Influenza Surveillance 2012-2013

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 16 2013 (15th ? 21st April 2013)

Summary
?Influenza activity in Ireland decreased during week 16 2013. The number of acute respiratory outbreaks reported in residential care facilities is also beginning to decrease.
?The sentinel GP influenza‐like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 12.2 per 100,000 population in week 16 2013, a decrease compared to the updated rate of 18.5 per 100,000 during week 15 2013.
􀂊The ILI consultation rate was below the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population) and has been for three consecutive weeks.
􀂊ILI age specific rates were low in all age groups
?The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out‐of‐Hours services decreased during week 16 2013, compared to the previous week.
?Influenza positivity decreased significantly during week 16 2013 to 10.7%, compared to 39.7% during the previous week. Seventeen influenza A(H3), 8 influenza A(H1)pdm09, 3 influenza A (not subtyped) and 4 influenza B positive specimens were reported from the NVRL for week 16 2013.
oInfluenza A(H3) was the predominant influenza virus circulating during week 16 2013.
?Positivity levels for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza viruses and adenoviruses remained at low levels during week 16 2013.
?During week 16 2013, 19 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, all associated with influenza A. To date this season, 419 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 49.4% associated with influenza A and 50.6% associated with influenza B.
?Twenty‐five adults and ten paediatric confirmed influenza cases have been admitted to critical care to date this season. Of these 35 cases, 15 were associated with influenza B, 13 with influenza A (H1)pdm09, five influenza A (H3) and two with influenza A (not subtyped). Thirty‐two RSV paediatric cases were also admitted to critical care this season.
?To date this season, 8 confirmed influenza associated deaths have been reported to HPSC, two associated with influenza A(H3), one influenza A (H1)pdm09, two with influenza A (not subtyped) and three associated with influenza B.
?Six new acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during week 16 2013. To date this season, 79 acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported to HPSC.
?In Europe, influenza activity continued to decline or has already returned to baseline levels. After more than three months of active influenza transmission, the 2012/2013 influenza season is waning and moving towards its end.
?Up to April 23rd 2013, 108 cases of human infection with influenza A(H7N9) in China have been reported by WHO, including 17 deaths.
oFor up to date information on the current case numbers and the WHO assessment of the situation please see here. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has published additional information including an updated rapid risk assessment of the situation, see here.
...

http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20122013Season/File,14031,en.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Influenza Surveillance 2012-2013

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 18 2013 (29th April ? 5th May 2013)

Summary
?Influenza activity in Ireland decreased during week 18 2013 and was at low levels.
?The sentinel GP influenza‐like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 4.8 per 100,000 population in week 18 2013, a decrease compared to the updated rate of 8.1 per 100,000 during week 17 2013.
􀂊The ILI consultation rate was below the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population) and has been for four consecutive weeks.
􀂊ILI age specific rates were low in all age groups
?The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out‐of‐Hours services was low during week 18 2013.
?Influenza positivity remained at low levels during week 18 2013 at 7.5%, compared to 7.1% during the previous week. Ten influenza A(H3), 1 influenza A(H1)pdm09 and 4 influenza A (not subtyped) positive specimens were reported from the NVRL for week 18 2013. No specimens taken by sentinel GPs tested positive for influenza virus during weeks 17 and 18 2013.
?Positivity levels for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza viruses and adenoviruses were low during week 18 2013.
?During week 18 2013, six confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, all associated with influenza A. To date this season, 445 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 51.7% associated with influenza A and 48.3% associated with influenza B.
?Twenty‐seven adults and ten paediatric confirmed influenza cases have been admitted to critical care to date this season. Of these 37 cases, 15 were associated with influenza B, 15 with influenza A (H1)pdm09, five influenza A (H3) and two with influenza A (not subtyped). Thirty‐two RSV paediatric cases were also admitted to critical care this season.
?To date this season, 10 confirmed influenza associated deaths have been reported to HPSC, five associated with influenza B, two with influenza A(H3), one influenza A (H1)pdm09 and two with influenza A (not subtyped).
?One new acute respiratory outbreak was reported to HPSC during week 18 2013. To date this season, 84 acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported to HPSC.
?In Europe, influenza activity continued to decline or has already returned to baseline levels. After more than four months of active influenza transmission, the 2012/2013 influenza season is coming to an end.
?For up to date information on human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in China including the current case numbers and the WHO assessment of the situation please see here. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has published additional information including an updated rapid risk assessment of the situation, see here.
...

http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20122013Season/File,14051,en.pdf

Seven A&Es in meltdown on same night

CLODAGH SHEEHY ? 17 MAY 2013 02:15 PM

EMERGENCY departments in seven major hospitals went into meltdown one night last month, forcing the HSE to take immediate radical action to avert a threat to patient safety.

A report on the event, which has just come to light, shows the HSE was forced to allow elderly patients in the hospitals jump the queue for places in nursing homes in a bid to alleviate the overcrowding pressure.

The report says that by 8pm on the night of April 14, the patient count in the six Dublin hospitals and one Cork hospital with 243 patients on trolleys was so high "there was significant concern for the safety and quality care of our patients".
...
The report says that an increase in "flu-like" illnesses in the weeks leading up to the crisis had led to a rise in the number of people presenting at Emergency Departments and needing inpatient beds.
...

http://www.herald.ie/news/seven-aes-in-meltdown-on-same-night-29275445.html

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Influenza Surveillance 2012-2013

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 20 2013 (13th ? 19th May 2013)

This is the final report of the 2012/2013 influenza season. Influenza activity will continue to be monitored during the summer period and brief reports will be published throughout the summer.

Summary
?Influenza activity in Ireland decreased during week 20 2013 and was at low levels.
?The sentinel GP influenza‐like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 1.0 per 100,000 population in week 20 2013, a decrease compared to the rate of 3.3 per 100,000 during week 19 2013.
?The ILI consultation rate was below the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population) and has been for seven consecutive weeks.
?ILI age specific rates were low in all age groups
?The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out‐of‐Hours services was low during week 20 2013.
?Influenza positivity remained at low levels during week 20 2013 at 1.3%, compared to 4.3% during the previous week. One influenza A(H3) and one influenza A (not subtyped) positive specimens were reported from the NVRL for week 20 2013. No specimens taken by sentinel GPs have tested positive for influenza virus since week 16 2013.
?Positivity levels for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza viruses and adenoviruses were low during week 20 2013.
?Positivity levels for human metapneumovirus (hMPV) increased during weeks 19 and 20 2013, reaching the highest levels reported for the 2012/2013 season.
?During week 20 2013, two confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, both associated with influenza A. To date this season, 454 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised, 52.6% associated with influenza A and 47.4% associated with influenza B.
?Twenty‐eight adults and ten paediatric confirmed influenza cases were admitted to critical care during the 2012/2013 season. Of these 38 cases, 16 were associated with influenza A (H1)pdm09, five influenza A (H3), two with influenza A (not subtyped) and 15 with influenza B. Thirty‐two RSV paediatric cases were also admitted to critical care this season.
?For the 2012/2013 influenza season, 16 confirmed influenza associated deaths have been reported to HPSC to date, four associated with influenza A(H3), one influenza A (H1)pdm09, five with influenza A (not subtyped) and six associated with influenza B.
?No new acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during week 20 2013. During the 2012/2013 season, 86 acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC.
?The 2012/2013 influenza season is coming to an end with inter‐seasonal influenza levels reported in most of North America, Europe, and northern Asia.
?For up to date information on human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in China including the current case numbers and the WHO assessment of the situation please see here. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has published additional information including an updated rapid risk assessment of the situation, see here.
?Further information on Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) is available on the WHO website and ECDC website.
...

http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20122013Season/File,14095,en.pdf