Australia Influenza Surveillance 2011.

[Ronan Kelly]

No. 1, 2011, REPORTING PERIOD: 19 March ? 1 April 2011

Summary

Levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the community remained low through all surveillance systems this reporting period. However, the number of laboratory confirmed notifications that have occurred during the 2010-11 inter-seasonal period has been unusually high.

During this reporting period there were 319 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza, which included 210 cases of influenza A untyped and 54 cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009. Queensland reported the highest number of notifications.

All jurisdictions are reporting unusually high numbers of notifications for this time of the year, especially in the Northern Territory and Queensland. Based on sub-typing information, Queensland are reporting circulation of mostly pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and type A/H3N2. The majority of the Northern Territory cases have been type A/H3N2.

As at 1 April 2011, there have been 2,532 confirmed cases of influenza reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) in 2011, compared with 451 for the same period in 2010.

The WHO has reported that influenza activity appears to have peaked and is declining in most parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

...

full report at; http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-ozflu-no1-11.htm/$File/ozflu-no1-2011.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia Influenza Surveillance 2011.

No. 2, 2011, REPORTING PERIOD:
2 April ? 15 April 2011

Summary
? Levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the community remained low through all surveillance systems this reporting period. However, the number of laboratory confirmed notifications that have occurred during the 2010-11 inter-seasonal period has been higher than usually seen.
? During this reporting period there were 267 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza, which included 166 cases of influenza A untyped and 46 cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009. Queensland reported the highest number of notifications.
? All jurisdictions have been reporting higher than usual numbers of notifications over the summer months, however in recent weeks there has been a decline in the number of notifications in most jurisdictions.
? As at 15 April 2011, there have been 2,879 confirmed cases of influenza reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) in 2011, compared with 614 for the same period in 2010.
? The WHO has reported that influenza activity is continuing to decline in most parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

...

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-ozflu-no2-11.htm/$file/ozflu-no2-2011.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia Influenza Surveillance 2011.

No. 3, 2011, REPORTING PERIOD:
16 April – 29 April 2011

Summary
• Levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the community have increased slightly compared to recent weeks, however they continue to remain low through the majority of ILI surveillance systems this reporting period.
• All jurisdictions have been reporting higher than usual numbers of laboratory confirmed influenza notifications over the summer months, however in recent weeks there has been a decline in the number of notifications in most jurisdictions.
• During this reporting period there were 175 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza, which included 103 cases of influenza A untyped, 31 cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009, 3 of A/H3N2 and 37 cases of influenza B. Queensland reported the highest number of notifications.
• As at 29 April 2011, there have been 3,141 confirmed cases of influenza reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) in 2011, compared with 651 for the same period in 2010.
• The WHO has reported that influenza activity in the Northern Hemisphere has returned to baseline levels in most areas, indicating the season is now ending.

....

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-ozflu-no3-11.htm/$file/ozflu-no3-2011.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia Influenza Surveillance 2011.

No. 4, 2011, REPORTING PERIOD:
30 April ? 13 May 2011

Summary
? Levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the community continue to remain low through the majority of ILI surveillance systems this reporting period.
? All jurisdictions have been reporting higher than usual numbers of laboratory confirmed influenza notifications over the summer months, however in recent weeks there has been a decline in the number of notifications in most jurisdictions.
? During this reporting period there were 225 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza, which included 147 cases of influenza A untyped, 33 cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009, 44 cases of influenza B and 1 case of influenza A&B. Queensland reported the highest number of notifications.
? As at 29 April 2011, there have been 3,434 confirmed cases of influenza reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) in 2011, compared with 810 for the same period in 2010.
? The WHO has reported that worldwide influenza activity is low and activity in the Northern Hemisphere temperate regions has returned to baseline or pre-seasonal levels.

...

Flutracking
Flutracking, a national online system for collecting data on ILI in the community, reported that in the week ending 15 May 2011 fever and cough was reported by 2.4% of vaccinated participants and 3.0% of unvaccinated participants (Figure 3). Fever, cough and absence from normal duties was reported by 1.2% of vaccinated participants and 1.5% of unvaccinated participants.1

...

Nationally notified influenza associated deaths
In 2011, 4 influenza associated deaths have been notified to the NNDSS, with all cases having pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
NSW
Death registration data show that for the week ending 29 April 2011, there were 1.0 pneumonia or influenza associated deaths per 100,000 deaths in NSW, which is below the seasonal threshold for this period of 1.5 per 100,000 deaths (Figure 8).
NSW death registration data cross-matched with laboratory cases of influenza show that up to 8 April 2011 there was one person with laboratory confirmed influenza who died.2.

...

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-ozflu-no4-11.htm/$file/ozflu-no4-2011.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia Influenza Surveillance 2011.

No. 5, 2011, REPORTING PERIOD:
14 May ? 27 May 2011

Summary
? Levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the community continue to remain low through the majority of ILI surveillance systems this reporting period.
? Over the summer months all jurisdictions reported higher than usual numbers of laboratory confirmed influenza notifications. In recent weeks, notifications across most jurisdictions have been stable; however South Australia has reported a large increase in notifications for this fortnight with 85% of notifications being influenza B.
? During this reporting period there were 324 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza, with Queensland reporting the highest number of notifications. The majority of virus detections have been pandemic (H1N1) 2009, with co-circulation of influenza A/H3N2 and influenza B.
? As at 27 May 2011, there have been 3,836 confirmed cases of influenza reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) in 2011, compared with 877 for the same period in 2010.
? The WHO has reported that worldwide influenza activity is low and activity associated with the Northern Hemisphere influenza season has largely finished, and a few tropical countries are experiencing low grade transmission.
? The WHO has released their recommendation for the antigen composition of 2011-2012 northern hemisphere influenza season trivalent flu vaccine. The recommended composition is the same as the 2010-2011 Northern Hemisphere and the current 2011 Southern Hemisphere vaccine compositions.
1

...

Flutracking, a national online system for collecting data on ILI in the community, reported that in the week ending 29 May 2011 fever and cough was reported by 2.7% of vaccinated participants and 3.7% of unvaccinated participants (Figure 3). Fever, cough and absence from normal duties was reported by 1.4% of vaccinated participants and 1.8% of unvaccinated participants.1

...

Nationally notified influenza associated deaths
In 2011, 5 influenza associated deaths have been notified to the NNDSS, with all cases having pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
NSW
Death registration data show that for the week ending 6 May 2011, there were 1.2 pneumonia or influenza associated deaths per 100,000 population in NSW, which is below the seasonal threshold for this period of 1.5 per 100,000 population (Figure 9).
For the week ending 27 May, there was one pandemic (H1N1) 2009 associated death with known co-morbidities recorded with NSW public health units.2.

...

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-ozflu-no5-11.htm/$file/ozflu-no5-2011.pdf

[gsgs]

Re: Australia Influenza Surveillance 2011.

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-ozflu-no6-11.htm

week 25: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ma...flu-no7-11.htm
week 27: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ma...flu-no8-11.htm
week 29,30: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ma...flu-no9-11.htm
week 31,32: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ma...lu-no10-11.htm
(worse than average ?)
week 33,34: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ma...lu-no11-11.htm
a little worse than 2010 so far. Peak now ?
week 35,36: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ma...lu-no12-11.htm
double-peak ? similar to 2008, worse than 2010, better than pandemic 2009
week 37,38: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ma...lu-no13-11.htm
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/D299D9B32D6D8066CA2579180018841F/$File/ozflu-no13-2011.pdf
week 39,40: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ma...lu-no14-11.htm

a little worse than average, little H3N2


NZ week 40: (flu-B) http://www.surv.esr.cri.nz/PDF_surve...kRpt201140.pdf
(much better than average ?)
peak was already in week 30 ?
now double top, but still at low level
better than 2010

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia Influenza Surveillance 2011.

No. 6, 2011, REPORTING PERIOD:
28 May ? 10 June 2011

Summary
? Levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the community continue to remain low through sentinel general practitioner surveillance systems, however ILI presentations to emergency departments have increased.
? In recent weeks, notifications have increased most notably in South Australia and Queensland, with some increases also observed in most of the other jurisdictions.
? During this reporting period there were 574 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza, with Queensland and South Australia reporting the highest number of notifications. The majority of virus detections have been pandemic (H1N1) 2009, with co-circulation of influenza B. The majority of the South Australian notifications this fortnight have been influenza B (85%).There were no detections of influenza A(H3N2) reported this fortnight.
? As at 27 May 2011, there have been 4,492 confirmed cases of influenza reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) in 2011, compared with 967 for the same period in 2010.
? The WHO has reported that worldwide influenza activity is low and activity associated with the northern hemisphere influenza season has finished. Seasonal transmission does not appear to have commenced in most temperate countries of the southern hemisphere.

...

Flutracking
Flutracking, a national online system for collecting data on ILI in the community, reported that in the week ending 5 June 2011 fever and cough was reported by 2.9% of vaccinated participants and 3.9% of unvaccinated participants (Figure 3) 4. Fever, cough and absence from normal duties was reported by 1.5% of vaccinated participants and 1.9% of unvaccinated participants.
Up to 5 June, 6,813 out of 10,495 (64.9%) participants reported having received the seasonal vaccine so far. Of the 2,417 participants who identified as working face-to-face with patients, 1,945 (80.5%) have received the vaccine

...

Deaths associated with influenza and pneumonia
Nationally notified influenza associated deaths
In 2011, 5 influenza associated deaths have been notified to the NNDSS, with all cases having pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
NSW
Death registration data up to the week ending 20 May 2011, showed that there were 1.3 pneumonia or influenza associated deaths per 100,000 population in NSW, which is below the seasonal threshold of 1.7 per 100,000 population for this period (Figure 9).
Up to the week ending 27 May, there has been one pandemic (H1N1) 2009 associated death with known co-morbidities recorded with NSW public health units.3

...

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-ozflu-no6-11.htm/$file/ozflu-no6-2011.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia Influenza Surveillance 2011.

AUSTRALIAN INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE REPORT
No. 7, 2011, REPORTING PERIOD:
11 June ? 24 June 2011

Summary
? Levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the community have started to increase through both sentinel general practitioner surveillance systems and ILI presentations to emergency departments.
? Notifications have continued to rise nationally, with increases most notable in South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales.
? During this reporting period there were 574 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza, with Queensland and South Australia reporting the highest number of notifications. The majority of virus detections have been pandemic (H1N1) 2009, with co-circulation of influenza B.
? Influenza B in South Australia has continued to represent 85% of their notifications, and also accounted for the majority of influenza B reported nationally over this period. Queensland has reported mostly pandemic (H1N1) 2009 with some co-circulation of influenza B and New South Wales has reported circulation of mostly pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
? As at 24 June 2011, there have been 5,640 confirmed cases of influenza reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) in 2011, compared with 1,088 for the same period in 2010.
? The WHO has reported that worldwide influenza activity is low and activity associated with the northern hemisphere influenza season has finished. Influenza activity remains low in most temperate countries of the southern hemisphere.

...
Flutracking, a national online system for collecting data on ILI in the community, reported that in the week ending 26 June 2011 fever and cough was reported by 3.2% of vaccinated participants and 3.6% of unvaccinated participants (Figure 4) 4. Fever, cough and absence from normal duties was reported by 1.6% of vaccinated participants and 1.6% of unvaccinated participants.
Up to 26 June, 6,911 out of 10,510 (65.8%) participants reported having received the seasonal vaccine so far. Of the 2,447 participants who identified as working face-to-face with patients, 1,966 (80.3%) have received the vaccine.
...
Of the 967 influenza notifications reported to the NNDSS this reporting period, 371 were influenza A (untyped), 224 were pandemic (H1N1) 2009, 367 were influenza B, 4 were A/H3N2 and one notification was reported as untyped
...
Nationally notified influenza associated deaths
In 2011, 5 influenza associated deaths have been notified to the NNDSS, with all cases having pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
NSW
Death registration data up to 10 June 2011 showed that there were 1.1 pneumonia or influenza associated deaths per 100,000 population in NSW, which is below the seasonal threshold of 1.7 per 100,000 population for this period
...
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-ozflu-no7-11.htm/$file/ozflu-no7-2011.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia Influenza Surveillance 2011.

AUSTRALIAN INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE REPORT
No. 8, 2011, REPORTING PERIOD:
25 June to 8 July 2011

...

Summary
? Levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the community continued to increase through both sentinel general practitioner surveillance systems and ILI presentations to emergency departments.
? Notifications have continued to rise nationally, with increases most notable in South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales.
? During this reporting period there were 1,555 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza, with Queensland reporting the highest number of notifications, followed by New South Wales and South Australia. The majority of virus detections have been pandemic (H1N1) 2009, with co-circulation of influenza B.
? Influenza B in South Australia has continued to represent the majority of their notifications (80%), and also accounted for over half of all influenza B reported nationally over this period. Queensland and New South Wales have reported mostly pandemic (H1N1) 2009 with some co-circulation of influenza B.
? As at 8 July 2011, there have been 7,488 confirmed cases of influenza reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) in 2011, compared with 1,294 for the same period in 2010.
? The WHO has reported that influenza activity in the temperate countries of the northern hemisphere is at baseline inter-seasonal level. Influenza activity in the temperate countries of the southern hemisphere has increased in recent weeks.

...

FluTracking
FluTracking, a national online system for collecting data on ILI in the community, reported that in the week ending 10 July 2011 fever and cough was reported by 2.9% of vaccinated participants and 3.6% of unvaccinated participants (Figure 4) 4. Fever, cough and absence from normal duties was reported by 1.5% of vaccinated participants and 1.4% of unvaccinated participants.
Up to 10 July 2011, 6,722 out of 10,237 (65.7%) participants reported having received the seasonal vaccine so far. Of the 2,405 participants who identified as working face-to-face with patients, 1,919 (79.8%) have received the vaccine.

...

Of the 1,555 influenza notifications reported to the NNDSS this reporting period, 529 were influenza A (untyped), 498 were pandemic (H1N1) 2009, 520 were influenza B, 4 were A/H3N2, 3 were untyped and one notification was reported as influenza type A&B (Figure 9). Compared to the beginning of the year, there appears to be very little A/H3N2 circulating.

...

Deaths associated with influenza and pneumonia
Nationally Notified Influenza Associated Deaths
In 2011, 5 influenza associated deaths have been notified to the NNDSS, with all cases having pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
New South Wales Influenza and Pneumonia Death Registrations
Death registration data up to 17 June 2011 showed that there were 1.1 pneumonia or influenza associated deaths per 100,000 population in NSW, which is below the seasonal threshold of 1.7 per 100,000 NSW population for this period (Figure 12).

...
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-ozflu-no8-11.htm/$file/ozflu-no8-2011.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia Influenza Surveillance 2011.

AUSTRALIAN INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE REPORT
No. 9, 2011, REPORTING PERIOD:
9 July to 22 July 2011


...

Summary
? Levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the community continued to increase through both sentinel general practitioner surveillance systems and ILI presentations to emergency departments.
? Notifications have continued to rise nationally, with notifications highest in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. In recent weeks, influenza notifications have started to increase in Victoria, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.
? During this reporting period there were 2,333 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza, with Queensland reporting the highest number of notifications, followed by New South Wales and South Australia. The majority of virus detections have been pandemic (H1N1) 2009, with co-circulation of influenza B.
? Influenza B in South Australia has continued to represent the majority of their notifications (72%), and also accounted for over a third of all influenza B reported nationally over this period. Queensland and New South Wales have reported mostly pandemic (H1N1) 2009, with co-circulation of influenza B.
? As at 22 July 2011, there have been 10,060 confirmed cases of influenza reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) in 2011, compared with 1,571 for the same period in 2010. It should be noted that over the 2011 summer months, all jurisdictions reported higher than usual numbers of notifications and this season commenced very early.
? The WHO has reported that influenza activity in the temperate countries of the northern hemisphere remains at baseline inter-seasonal level. Countries in the tropical zone mostly report low influenza activity. The influenza season in South Africa appears to have recently peaked and in New Zealand, rates of national ILI consultations have not crossed baseline levels.

...

FluTracking
FluTracking, a national online system for collecting data on ILI in the community, reported that in the week ending 24 July 2011 fever and cough was reported by 2.4% of vaccinated participants and 3.5% of unvaccinated participants (Figure 4) 4. Fever, cough and absence from normal duties was reported by 1.3% of vaccinated participants and 1.7% of unvaccinated participants.
Up to 24 July 2011, 7,013 out of 10,667 (65.7%) participants reported having received the seasonal vaccine so far. Of the 2,461 participants who identified as working face-to-face with patients, 1,970 (80.0%) have received the vaccine.

...

Of the 2,333 influenza notifications reported to the NNDSS this reporting period, 813 were influenza A (untyped), 774 were pandemic (H1N1) 2009, 728 were influenza B, 15 were A/H3N2 and three notifications were reported as untyped (Figure 9). Compared to the beginning of the year, there appears to be very little A/H3N2 circulating.

...

Deaths associated with influenza and pneumonia
Nationally Notified Influenza Associated Deaths
In 2011, seven influenza associated deaths have been notified to the NNDSS, with six of these cases having pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and the other case reported as having influenza type A (untyped).
New South Wales Influenza and Pneumonia Death Registrations
Death registration data up to 8 July 2011 showed that there were 1.6 pneumonia or influenza associated deaths per 100,000 population in NSW, which is below the seasonal threshold of 1.8 per 100,000 NSW population for this period (Figure 12).

...

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-ozflu-no9-11.htm/$file/ozflu-no9-2011.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia Influenza Surveillance 2011.

AUSTRALIAN INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE REPORT
No. 10, 2011, REPORTING PERIOD:
23 July to 5 August 2011

...

Summary
? Levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the community continued to increase through both sentinel general practitioner surveillance systems and ILI presentations to emergency departments.
? Notifications have continued to rise nationally, with notifications highest in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. In recent weeks, influenza notifications have started to increase in all other states and territories. Currently the weekly number of notifications in the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania are above the peak frequency of notifications observed in 2010.
? During this reporting period there were 3,159 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza, with Queensland reporting the highest number of notifications, followed by New South Wales and South Australia. The majority of virus detections have been pandemic (H1N1) 2009, with co-circulation of influenza B.
? The previously high proportion of influenza B in South Australia has started to decline with increasing numbers of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 notifications. The majority of states and territories have reported mostly pandemic (H1N1) 2009, with co-circulation of influenza B, except in Tasmania where there is mostly influenza B circulating, and Western Australia where there is very little influenza B circulating and mostly pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
? As at 5 August 2011, there have been 13,521 confirmed cases of influenza reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) in 2011. Currently the weekly number of notifications being reported nationally is above the peak frequency experienced in previous years, except 2009.
? The WHO has reported that influenza activity in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere remains at low. Influenza transmission continues to occur in a few countries of the tropical region. After peaking in early June, influenza transmission in South Africa has declined to low levels. In New Zealand, rates of national ILI consultations are currently slightly above baseline activity levels and influenza type B is currently the predominant strain circulating.

...

FluTracking
FluTracking, a national online system for collecting data on ILI in the community, reported that in the week ending 7 August 2011 fever and cough was reported by 3.0% of vaccinated participants and 3.7% of unvaccinated participants (Figure 4) 4. Fever, cough and absence from normal duties was reported by 2.0% of vaccinated participants and 2.1% of unvaccinated participants.
Up to 7 August 2011, 6,944 out of 10,579 (65.6%) participants reported having received the seasonal vaccine so far. Of the 2,406 participants who identified as working face-to-face with patients, 1,931 (80.3%) have received the vaccine.

...

Of the 3,159 influenza notifications reported to the NNDSS this reporting period, 2,366 were influenza A (1,296 were influenza A (untyped), 1,051 were pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and 19 were A/H3N2), 778 were influenza B, 4 were influenza A and B and 11 notifications were reported as untyped (Figure 9). Compared to the beginning of the year, there appears to be very little A/H3N2 circulating.

...

Deaths associated with influenza and pneumonia
Nationally Notified Influenza Associated Deaths
In 2011, 10 influenza associated deaths have been notified to the NNDSS, with a median age of 53.5 years. Eight of these cases were reported as having a pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection, one with influenza type B and the other case reported as having influenza type A (untyped).
New South Wales Influenza and Pneumonia Death Registrations
Death registration data up to 22 July 2011 showed that there were 1.6 pneumonia or influenza associated deaths per 100,000 population in NSW, which is below the seasonal threshold of 1.8 per 100,000 NSW population for this period (Figure 12).

...

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-ozflu-no10-11.htm/$file/ozflu-no10-2011.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia Influenza Surveillance 2011.

AUSTRALIAN INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE REPORT
No. 11, 2011, REPORTING PERIOD:
6 August to 19 August 2011

...

Summary
? Levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the community continued to increase through both sentinel general practitioner surveillance systems and ILI presentations to emergency departments.
? Notifications have decreased in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, but have continued to increase in all other states and territories. Nationally the number of notifications has decreased in recent weeks. Currently the weekly number of notifications in the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania remain above the peak frequency of notifications observed in 2010.
? During this reporting period there were 3,096 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza, with Queensland reporting the highest number of notifications, followed by New South Wales and South Australia. Nationally, the majority of virus detections have been pandemic (H1N1) 2009, with co-circulation of influenza B.
? The majority of states and territories have predominately reported pandemic (H1N1) 2009, with co-circulation of influenza B, except in Tasmania where there is mostly influenza B, and in Western Australia where there is mostly pandemic (H1N1) 2009, some A/H3N2 and very little influenza B.
? As at 19 August 2011, there have been 16,990 confirmed cases of influenza reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) in 2011. Currently the weekly number of notifications being reported nationally is above the peak frequency experienced in previous years, except 2009.
? The WHO Collaborating Centre have reported a recent cluster of influenza viruses showing resistance to oseltamivir, all have been the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 subtype.
? The WHO has reported that influenza activity in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere remains low. Influenza transmission continues to occur in a few countries of the tropical region. After peaking in early June, influenza transmission in South Africa has declined to low levels. In New Zealand, rates of national ILI consultations have recently declined to below baseline activity levels and influenza type B is currently the predominant strain circulating.

...

FluTracking
FluTracking, a national online system for collecting data on ILI in the community, reported that in the week ending 21 August 2011 fever and cough was reported by 3.1% of vaccinated participants and 3.7% of unvaccinated participants (Figure 4) 4. Fever, cough and absence from normal duties was reported by 1.7% of vaccinated participants and 1.7% of unvaccinated participants.
Up to 21 August 2011, 5,652 out of 10,137 (55.8%) participants reported having received the seasonal vaccine so far. Of the 2,315 participants who identified as working face-to-face with patients, 1,689 (73.0%) have received the vaccine.

...
Of the 3,096 influenza notifications reported to the NNDSS this reporting period, 1,926 were influenza A (1,030 were influenza A (untyped), 857 were pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and 39 were A/H3N2), 1,161 were influenza B, 4 were influenza A and B and 5 notifications were reported as untyped (Figure 9). Compared to the beginning of the year, there appears to be very little A/H3N2 circulating.
In recent weeks the proportion of influenza B in South Australia has continued to decline and currently represents 43% of their notifications, with the remainder being mostly pandemic (H1N1) 2009. The majority of states and territories have reported mostly pandemic (H1N1) 2009, with co-circulation of influenza B. However, in Tasmania influenza B is the dominant strain, and in Western Australia there is very little influenza B circulating and of the small number of A/H3N2 notifications nationally these are also mostly from Western Australia.
...

Nationally Notified Influenza Associated Deaths
In 2011, 11 influenza associated deaths have been notified to the NNDSS, with a median age of 53 years. Eight of these cases were reported as having a pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection, two with influenza type B and the other case reported as having influenza type A (untyped).New South Wales Influenza and Pneumonia Death Registrations
Death registration data up to 5 August 2011 showed that there were 1.4 pneumonia or influenza associated deaths per 100,000 population in NSW, which is below the seasonal threshold of 1.8 per 100,000 NSW population for this period (Figure 12).

...
Antiviral Resistance
The WHO Collaborating Centre in Melbourne has reported that from 1 January 2011 to 21 August 2011, 12 isolate (out of 1,291 tested) has shown resistance to oseltamivir by enzyme inhibition assay (EIA). A further 7 isolates, out of a total of 57 tested by pyrosequencing, has shown the H275Y mutation known to confer resistance to oseltamivir. A total of 19 influenza viruses have shown resistance to oseltamivir, all have been the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 subtype. The recent increases in oseltamivir resistance in pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza isolates has occurred in the Newcastle region of New South Wales and predominately between June and August 2011. New South Wales Health are investigating this cluster of cases.
...
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-ozflu-no11-11.htm/$file/ozflu-no11-2011.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia Influenza Surveillance 2011.

AUSTRALIAN INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE REPORT
No. 12, 2011, REPORTING PERIOD:
20 August to 2 September 2011

...

Summary
Levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the community continued to increase through both sentinel general practitioner surveillance systems and ILI presentations to emergency departments.
Notifications have continued to decrease in Queensland and New South Wales and recently have also started to decrease in other states and territories, except the Northern Territory. Currently the weekly number of notifications in the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania remain above the peak frequency of notifications observed in 2010.
During this fortnights reporting period there were 2,589 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza, with Queensland reporting the highest number of notifications, followed by South Australia. Nationally, the majority of virus detections have been pandemic (H1N1) 2009, with co-circulation of influenza B.
The majority of states and territories have predominately reported pandemic (H1N1) 2009, with co-circulation of influenza B. However in Tasmania and New South Wales influenza B is the dominant strain, and in Western Australia, where mostly pandemic (H1N1) 2009 is reported, almost a quarter of reports are A/H3N2 and there is very little influenza B.
As at 2 September 2011, there have been 19,987 confirmed cases of influenza reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) in 2011. Nationally weekly notifications for this season have peaked. This season?s peak appears to have occurred in the week ending 5 August 2011 with 1,952 influenza notifications, and was above the peak frequency experienced in previous years, except 2009.
In addition to the previously reported cluster of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza viruses showing resistance to oseltamivir within the Hunter New England region of New South Wales, a further two cases linked to this cluster have been detected in other regions of NSW. These additional cases had no prior travel history to the Hunter New England region. All of the viruses are sensitive to zanamivir and have not shown any antigenic changes that would affect their recognition by vaccine-induced antibodies.
The WHO has reported that influenza activity in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere remains low. Influenza transmission continues to occur in a few countries of the tropical region. After peaking in early June, influenza transmission in South Africa has declined to low levels. In New Zealand, rates of national ILI consultations are now above baseline activity levels and influenza type B is currently the predominant strain circulating.

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FluTracking, a national online system for collecting data on ILI in the community, noted that in the week ending 4 September 2011 fever and cough was reported by 2.9% of vaccinated participants and 3.3% of unvaccinated participants.4 Fever, cough and absence from normal duties was reported by 1.6% of vaccinated participants and 1.6% of unvaccinated participants. Rates of ILI among FluTracking participants has remained relatively stable this season, compared to previous years (Figure 3).
Up to 4 September 2011, 5,680 out of 10,186 (55.8%) participants reported having received the seasonal vaccine so far. Of the 2,324 participants who identified as working face-to-face with patients, 1,699 (73.1%) have received the vaccine.

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Of the 2,589 influenza notifications reported to the NNDSS this reporting period, 1,684 were influenza A (1,149 were influenza A (untyped), 459 were pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and 76 were A/H3N2), 896 were influenza B, 3 were influenza A&B and 6 notifications were reported as untyped (Figure 8). Compared to the beginning of the year, there appears to be very little A/H3N2 circulating.
The majority of states and territories have reported mostly pandemic (H1N1) 2009, with co-circulation of influenza B. However, in Tasmania and more recently New South Wales, influenza B is the dominant strain, and in Western Australia there is very little influenza B circulating and of the small number of A/H3N2 notifications nationally these are also mostly from Western Australia.
So far in 2011, 14,222 (71%) cases were reported as influenza A (35% influenza A (untyped), 31% pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and 5% A/H3N2) and 5,620 (28%) were influenza B. A further 59 (<1%) were influenza type A&B and 86 (<1%) were untyped (Figure 8).

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Nationally Notified Influenza Associated Deaths
In 2011, 11 influenza associated deaths have been notified to the NNDSS, with a median age of 45 years. Eight of these cases were reported as having a pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection, two with influenza type B and the other case reported as having influenza type A (untyped).
New South Wales Influenza and Pneumonia Death Registrations
Death registration data up to 19 August 2011 showed that there were 1.2 pneumonia or influenza associated deaths per 100,000 population in NSW, which is below the seasonal threshold of 1.8 per 100,000 NSW population for this period (Figure 11).3

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Antiviral Resistance
The WHO Collaborating Centre in Melbourne has reported that from 1 January to 11 September 2011, 15 influenza viral isolates (out of 1,649 tested) have shown resistance to the neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir by enzyme inhibition assay (EIA). A further 18 specimens, out of a total of 203 tested by pyrosequencing, have shown the H275Y mutation known to confer resistance to oseltamivir. A total of 33 influenza viruses have shown resistance to oseltamivir in 2011, all have been the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 subtype.
The recent increases in oseltamivir resistance in pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza isolates have predominately occurred in the Hunter New England region of New South Wales between June and August 2011. The cluster consists of 25 cases, of which 6 were hospitalised and three were pregnant. A further two oseltamivir-resistant pandemic (H1N1) 2009 viruses, sampled in July and August, have also been found to belong to the cluster. Both of these cases were detected outside the Hunter New England region with no recent travel history to this region. None of the cases reported so far were treated with oseltamivir prior to their positive test for influenza. All of the viruses are sensitive to zanamivir and have not shown any antigenic changes that would affect their recognition by vaccine-induced antibodies.

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http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-ozflu-no12-11.htm/$file/ozflu-no12-2011.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia Influenza Surveillance 2011.

AUSTRALIAN INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE REPORT
No. 13, 2011, REPORTING PERIOD:
3 September to 16 September 2011

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Summary
Levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the community have started to decrease through both sentinel general practitioner surveillance systems and ILI presentations to emergency departments.

Notifications have continued to be highest in Queensland and South Australia, with New South Wales also still high. Notifications are decreasing across most states and territories, however notifications in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia appear to have plateaued.

During this fortnight there were 1,958 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza, with Queensland reporting the highest number of notifications, followed by South Australia. Nationally, the majority of virus detections have been pandemic (H1N1) 2009, with co-circulation of influenza B.

In the Northern Territory this fortnight notifications of influenza A/H3N2 represented 75% of their notifications, and nationally the majority of A/H3N2 notifications are being reported from the Northern Territory and Western Australia. In Tasmania and more recently New South Wales, influenza B continues to be the dominant strain.

As at 16 September 2011, there have been 22,303 confirmed cases of influenza reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) in 2011. Nationally, weekly notifications for this season have peaked. This season?s peak appears to have occurred in the week ending 5 August 2011 with 1,976 influenza notifications, and was above the peak frequency experienced in previous years, except 2009.

The WHO has reported that influenza activity in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere remains low. Influenza transmission continues to occur in a few countries of the tropical region. In New Zealand, rates of national ILI consultations are currently consistent with baseline activity levels, and influenza type B and A/H3N2 are currently the predominant strains circulating.

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FluTracking, a national online system for collecting data on ILI in the community, noted that in the week ending 18 September 2011 fever and cough was reported by 2.6% of vaccinated participants and 3.0% of unvaccinated participants (Figure 4).4 Fever, cough and absence from normal duties was reported by 1.6% of vaccinated participants and 1.6% of unvaccinated participants. Rates of ILI among FluTracking participants has remained relatively stable this season, compared to previous years (Figure 5).
Up to 18 September 2011, 5,619 out of 10,069 (55.8%) participants reported having received the seasonal vaccine so far. Of the 2,320 participants who identified as working face-to-face with patients, 1,702 (73.4%) have received the vaccine.

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Of the 1,958 influenza notifications reported to the NNDSS this reporting period, 1,438 were influenza A (1,149 were influenza A (untyped), 459 were pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and 76 were A/H3N2), 896 were influenza B, 3 were influenza A&B and 6 notifications were reported as untyped (Figure 10). Nationally, compared to the beginning of the year, there is little A/H3N2 circulating.
The majority of states and territories have reported mostly pandemic (H1N1) 2009, with co-circulation of influenza B. However, in the Northern Territory this fortnight notifications of influenza A/H3N2 represent 75% of their notifications, and nationally the majority of A/H3N2 notifications are being reported from the Northern Territory and Western Australia. In Tasmania and more recently New South Wales, influenza B continues to be the dominant strain.
So far in 2011, 15,880 (71%) cases were reported as influenza A (36% influenza A (untyped), 29% pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and 6% A/H3N2) and 6,245 (28%) were influenza B. A further 66 (<1%) were influenza type A&B and 112 (<1%) were untyped (Figure 10).

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Nationally Notified Influenza Associated Deaths
In 2011, 14 influenza associated deaths have been notified to the NNDSS, with a median age of 47 years. Ten of these cases were reported as having a pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection, two with influenza type B and the other case reported as having influenza type A (untyped).
New South Wales Influenza and Pneumonia Death Registrations
Death registration data up to 2 September 2011 showed that there were 1.2 pneumonia or influenza associated deaths per 100,000 population in NSW, which is below the seasonal threshold of 1.8 per 100,000 NSW population for this period (Figure 13).

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http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-ozflu-no13-11.htm/$file/ozflu-no13-2011.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia Influenza Surveillance 2011.

AUSTRALIAN INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE REPORT
No. 14, 2011, REPORTING PERIOD:
17 September to 30 September 2011

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Summary
? Levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the community continued to decrease through both sentinel general practitioner surveillance systems and ILI presentations to emergency departments.
? Notifications are continuing to decrease across most states and territories, however notifications in South Australia have continued to plateau.
? During this fortnight there were 1,443 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza, with South Australia, Queensland and Victoria reporting the highest number of notifications. Nationally, the majority of virus detections have been pandemic (H1N1) 2009, with co-circulation of influenza B.
? In the Northern Territory this fortnight notifications of influenza A(H3N2) represent 70% of their notifications, and nationally the majority of A(H3N2) notifications are being reported from the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia. In Tasmania and New South Wales influenza B represents around half of their notifications, and the proportion of influenza B in Queensland appears to be increasing.
? As at 30 September 2011, there have been 24,049 confirmed cases of influenza reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) in 2011. Nationally, weekly notifications for this season peaked in the week ending 5 August 2011 with 1,988 influenza notifications. This peak was above the peak frequency experienced in previous years, except 2009.
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FluTracking
FluTracking, a national online system for collecting data on ILI in the community, noted that in the week ending 2 October 2011 fever and cough was reported by 2.6% of vaccinated participants and 2.2% of unvaccinated participants (Figure 4).4 Fever, cough and absence from normal duties was reported by 1.3% of vaccinated participants and 1.3% of unvaccinated participants. Rates of ILI among FluTracking participants has remained relatively stable this season, compared to previous years (Figure 5).
Up to 2 October 2011, 5,250 out of 9,250 (56.8%) participants reported having received the seasonal vaccine so far. Of the 2,146 participants who identified as working face-to-face with patients, 1,578 (73.5%) have received the vaccine.

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Of the 1,443 influenza notifications reported to the NNDSS this reporting period, 1,068 were influenza A (709 were influenza A (untyped), 243 were pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and 116 were A(H3N2)), 360 were influenza B, 4 were influenza A&B and 11 notifications were reported as untyped (Figure 10). Nationally, compared to the beginning of the winter season, the proportion of A(H3N2) circulating has continued to increase.
The majority of states and territories have reported mostly pandemic (H1N1) 2009, with co-circulation of influenza B. However, in the Northern Territory this fortnight notifications of influenza A(H3N2) represent 70% of their notifications, and nationally the majority of A(H3N2) notifications are being reported from the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia. In Tasmania and New South Wales influenza B represents around half of their notifications, and the proportion of influenza B in Queensland appears to be increasing.
So far in 2011, 17,167 (71%) cases were reported as influenza A (36% influenza A (untyped), 29% pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and 6% A(H3N2)) and 6,676 (28%) were influenza B. A further 75 (<1%) were influenza type A&B and 131 (<1%) were untyped (Figure 10).

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Nationally Notified Influenza Associated Deaths
In 2011, 14 influenza associated deaths have been notified to the NNDSS, with a median age of 47 years. Ten of these cases were reported as having a pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection, two with influenza type B and the other case reported as having influenza type A (untyped).
New South Wales Influenza and Pneumonia Death Registrations
Death registration data up to 16 September 2011 showed that there were 1.5 pneumonia or influenza associated deaths per 100,000 population in NSW, which is below the seasonal threshold of 1.7 per 100,000 NSW population for this period (Figure 13).3

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http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-ozflu-no14-11.htm/$file/ozflu-no14-2011.pdf