FluWatch report: December 17, 2017 to December 30, 2017 (weeks 51 & 52)
Overall Summary
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In weeks 51 and 52, an increasing number of regions reported localized or widespread influenza activity. Among the 45 regions for which data was available in week 52, three regions (BC(1), QC(2)) reported widespread activity, and 22 regions (BC(2), SK(2), MB (4), ON(7), QC(2), NB(2), NS(2) and PE(1)) reported localized activity. Sporadic activity was reported across most of the country.
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Organization:
Public Health Agency of Canada
Date published: 2018-01-05
Related Topics
Figure 1 - Map of overall influenza/ILI activity level by province and territory, Canada, week 2017-52
Note: Influenza/ILI activity levels, as represented on this map, are assigned and reported by Provincial and Territorial Ministries of Health, based on laboratory confirmations, sentinel ILI rates and reported outbreaks. Please refer to detailed definitions at the end of the report. Maps from previous weeks, including any retrospective updates, are available in the mapping feature found in the Weekly Influenza Reports.
Figure 1 - Text Description Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza Detections
In weeks 51 and 52, both influenza A and B detections continued to increase. The proportion of tests positive for influenza increased to 25% in week 51 and 28% in week 52. The proportion of influenza detections that are influenza B has been increasing steadily since week 42. In week 52, 66% of detections were influenza A and 34% influenza B.
The number (1,968) and percentage (18.7%) of influenza A detections for week 52 are close to the seasonal average for this time of year. The number (994) and percentage of tests (9.4%) positive for influenza B in week 52 are well above expected levels. Influenza B is circulating much earlier than usual this season. Current levels of tests positive for influenza B are not typically seen until March. More than 15 times the number of influenza B detections have been reported this season compared to the same period during the past seven seasons. For data on other respiratory virus detections, see the Respiratory Virus Detections in Canada Report.
Figure 2 - Number of positive influenza tests and percentage of tests positive, by type, subtype and report week, Canada, weeks 2017-35 to 2017-52
The shaded area indicates weeks where the positivity rate was at least 5% and a minimum of 15 positive tests were observed, signalling the period of seasonal influenza activity.
Figure 2 - Text Description To date this season, 11,275 laboratory-confirmed influenza detections have been reported, of which 74% have been influenza A. Influenza A(H3N2) has been the most common subtype detected this season, representing 95% of subtyped influenza A detections. For more detailed weekly and cumulative influenza data, see the text descriptions for Figures 2 and 3 or the Respiratory Virus Detections in Canada Report.
Figure 3 - Cumulative numbers of positive influenza specimens by type/subtype and province/territory, Canada, weeks 2017-35 to 2017-52
Figure 3 - Text Description To date this season, detailed information on age and type/subtype has been received for 10,336 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases (Table 1). Among all influenza cases with reported age and type/subtype information, 44% have been reported in adults 65 years of age and older. Among cases of influenza A(H3N2), adults 65 years of age and older represented 51% of cases, compared to 39% and 54% of cases reported in the same period in the 2016-17 and 2014-15 season, respectively. Cases of influenza B this season were distributed more evenly across all age-groups, with 36% of cases in adults 65 years of age and older, 23% of cases in adults 45-64 years of age, and 23% in children and adults under 20 years of age.
Syndromic/Influenza-like Illness Surveillance
Healthcare Professionals Sentinel Syndromic Surveillance
In week 52, 4.5% of visits to healthcare professionals were due to influenza-like illness (ILI); an increase compared to the previous week. Since week 49, the weekly proportion of healthcare visits for ILI has been similar to the 5-year average.
Figure 4 - Percentage of visits for ILI reported by sentinels by report week, Canada, weeks 2017-35 to 2017-52
Number of Sentinels Reporting in Week 52: 72
The shaded area represents the maximum and minimum percentage of visits for ILI reported by week from seasons 2012-13 to 2016-17
Figure 4 - Text Description Participatory Syndromic Surveillance
FluWatchers is a participatory ILI surveillance system that relies on weekly voluntary submissions of syndromic information from Canadians across Canada.
In week 52, 1,202 participants reported to FluWatchers, of which 6% reported symptoms of cough and fever, and 10% of these consulted a healthcare professional. Among participants who reported cough and fever, 78% reported days missed from work or school, resulting in a combined total of 180 missed days of work or school.
Influenza Outbreak Surveillance
In weeks 51 and 52, the number of reported laboratory-confirmed outbreaks of influenza increased. During this period, 137 new influenza outbreaks were reported: 97 in long-term care facilities, 12 in hospitals, and 28 in other settings. Among the 102 outbreaks with influenza type/subtype reported, 27 were associated with influenza B, and 69 were associated with influenza A, of which 21 were influenza A(H3N2) and 48 influenza A(unsubtyped). Six outbreaks were associated with a mix of influenza A and B.
To date this season, 293 influenza/ILI outbreaks have been reported, of which 166 (57%) occurred in LTC facilities. Among the 239 outbreaks for which the influenza type/subtype was reported, 179 were associated with influenza A (of which 99 were A(H3N2)), 51 were associated with influenza B, and nine were associated with a mix of A and B. Compared to recent influenza A(H3N2) seasons at week 52 or 53, the number of cumulative outbreaks reported this season has been slightly greater than during the 2016-17 and 2012-13 seasons, and lower compared to the 2014-15 season.
Figure 5 - Number of new outbreaks of laboratory-confirmed influenza by report week, Canada, weeks 2017-35 to 2017-52
Figure 5 - Text Description Severe Outcomes Influenza Surveillance
Provincial/Territorial Influenza Hospitalizations and Deaths
In weeks 51 and 52, 94 influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported by participating provinces and territoriesFootnote1. However, this is an underrepresentation of the number of hospitalizations for this period, due to gaps in reporting. Retrospective updates will be included in the next FluWatch report.
To date this season, 1,050 influenza-associated hospitalizations have been reported, 87% of which were associated with influenza A, and 710 cases (68%) were in adults 65 years of age or older. To date, 93 ICU admissions and 34 deaths have been reported.
Figure 6 - Cumulative numbers of hospitalizations by age-group reported by participating provinces and territoriesfigure 6 note1, weeks 2017-35 to 2017-52
Figure 6 - Text Description Figure 6 note 1 Influenza-associated hospitalizations are reported by NL, PE, NS, NB, MB, AB, YT and NT. Only hospitalizations that require intensive medical care are reported by SK.
Return to figure 6 note1referrer
Pediatric Influenza Hospitalizations and Deaths
In weeks 51 and 52, the number of laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated pediatric (≤16 years of age) hospitalizations reported by the Immunization Monitoring Program Active (IMPACT) network continued to increase. A total of 84 hospitaliations were reported in this two-week period, of which 54 (64%) were due to influenza A. After several weeks above average, the number of hospitalizations reported in week 52 was similar to the seven-season weekly average.
To date this season, 195 pediatric hospitalizations have been reported by the IMPACT network, 144 (74%) of which were associated with influenza A. Thirty-five ICU admissions and fewer than five deaths have been reported. Compared to recent influenza A(H3N2) seasons at week 52, the number of hospitalizations reported this season have been greater than the 2016-17 season, but below the 2014-15 and 2012-13 seasons.
Figure 7 - Cumulative numbers of pediatric hospitalizations (≤16 years of age) with influenza by type and age-group reported by the IMPACT network, Canada, weeks 2017-35 to 2017-52
Figure 7 - Text Description Figure 8 - Number of pediatric hospitalizations (≤16 years of age) with influenza reported by the IMPACT network, by week, Canada, weeks 2017-35 to 2017-52
Figure 8 - Text Description Figure 8 Footnote 1 The shaded area represents the maximum and minimum number of cases reported by week from seasons 2010-11 to 2016-17
Return to figure 8 note1referrer
Influenza Strain Characterizations
During the 2017-18 influenza season, the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) has characterized 273 influenza viruses [190 A(H3N2), 20 A(H1N1)pdm09 and 63 B viruses] that were received from Canadian laboratories.
Antigenic Characterization
Among influenza viruses characterized by hemagglutination inhibition assay during the 2017-18 season, most viruses were antigenically similar to the cell-culture propagated reference strains recommended by WHO.
Genetic Characterization of A(H3N2) viruses
During the 2017-18 season, 138 A(H3N2) viruses did not grow to sufficient titers for antigenic characterization by HI assay. Therefore, genetic characterization was performed to determine to which genetic group they belong. Sequence analysis showed that 111 A(H3N2) viruses belonged to genetic group 3C.2a and 27 viruses belonged to subclade 3C.2a1.
Additionally, of the 52 influenza A(H3N2) viruses that were characterized antigenically as similar to A/Hong Kong/4801/2014, 29 belonged to genetic group 3C.2a and four viruses belonged to subclade 3C.2a1. Sequencing is pending for the remaining 19 viruses.
A/Hong Kong/4801/2014-like virus belongs to genetic group 3C.2a and is the influenza A/H3N2 component of the 2017-18 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine.
Genetic Characterization of Influenza B viruses
Among the viruses characterized antigenically as having reduced titer to ferret antisera produced against cell-propagated B/Brisbane/60/2008, sequence analysis showed that all five viruses had a two amino acids deletion in the HA gene.
Antiviral Resistance
During the 2017-18 season, the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) has tested 287 influenza viruses for resistance to oseltamivir, and 226 for resistance to zanamivir. All viruses were sensitive to these neuraminidase inhibitors (Table 4).
...
Overall Summary
- Overall, influenza activity continues to increase across Canada. All indicators of influenza activity increased in weeks 51 and 52, but are within the range of expected levels for this time of year.
- The majority of influenza detections continue to be A(H3N2), although the proportion of detections that are influenza B has been increasing steadily.
- Influenza B is circulating much earlier than usual this season.The number of influenza B detections remains substantially greater this season compared to previous years.
- To date this season, the majority of lab confirmations, hospitalizations and deaths have been among adults 65 years of age and older.
- For more information on the flu, see our Flu(influenza) web page.
On this page
- Influenza/ILI Activity (geographic spread)
- Laboratory Confirmed Influenza Detections
- Syndromic/Influenza-like Illness Surveillance
- Influenza Outbreak Surveillance
- Severe Outcomes Influenza Surveillance
- Influenza Strain Characterizations
- Antiviral Resistance
- Provincial and International Influenza Reports
- FluWatch definitions for the 2017-2018 season
In weeks 51 and 52, an increasing number of regions reported localized or widespread influenza activity. Among the 45 regions for which data was available in week 52, three regions (BC(1), QC(2)) reported widespread activity, and 22 regions (BC(2), SK(2), MB (4), ON(7), QC(2), NB(2), NS(2) and PE(1)) reported localized activity. Sporadic activity was reported across most of the country.
Download the alternative format
(PDF format, 867 KB, 10 pages)
Organization:
Public Health Agency of Canada
Date published: 2018-01-05
Related Topics
Figure 1 - Map of overall influenza/ILI activity level by province and territory, Canada, week 2017-52
Note: Influenza/ILI activity levels, as represented on this map, are assigned and reported by Provincial and Territorial Ministries of Health, based on laboratory confirmations, sentinel ILI rates and reported outbreaks. Please refer to detailed definitions at the end of the report. Maps from previous weeks, including any retrospective updates, are available in the mapping feature found in the Weekly Influenza Reports.
Figure 1 - Text Description Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza Detections
In weeks 51 and 52, both influenza A and B detections continued to increase. The proportion of tests positive for influenza increased to 25% in week 51 and 28% in week 52. The proportion of influenza detections that are influenza B has been increasing steadily since week 42. In week 52, 66% of detections were influenza A and 34% influenza B.
The number (1,968) and percentage (18.7%) of influenza A detections for week 52 are close to the seasonal average for this time of year. The number (994) and percentage of tests (9.4%) positive for influenza B in week 52 are well above expected levels. Influenza B is circulating much earlier than usual this season. Current levels of tests positive for influenza B are not typically seen until March. More than 15 times the number of influenza B detections have been reported this season compared to the same period during the past seven seasons. For data on other respiratory virus detections, see the Respiratory Virus Detections in Canada Report.
Figure 2 - Number of positive influenza tests and percentage of tests positive, by type, subtype and report week, Canada, weeks 2017-35 to 2017-52
The shaded area indicates weeks where the positivity rate was at least 5% and a minimum of 15 positive tests were observed, signalling the period of seasonal influenza activity.
Figure 2 - Text Description To date this season, 11,275 laboratory-confirmed influenza detections have been reported, of which 74% have been influenza A. Influenza A(H3N2) has been the most common subtype detected this season, representing 95% of subtyped influenza A detections. For more detailed weekly and cumulative influenza data, see the text descriptions for Figures 2 and 3 or the Respiratory Virus Detections in Canada Report.
Figure 3 - Cumulative numbers of positive influenza specimens by type/subtype and province/territory, Canada, weeks 2017-35 to 2017-52
Figure 3 - Text Description To date this season, detailed information on age and type/subtype has been received for 10,336 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases (Table 1). Among all influenza cases with reported age and type/subtype information, 44% have been reported in adults 65 years of age and older. Among cases of influenza A(H3N2), adults 65 years of age and older represented 51% of cases, compared to 39% and 54% of cases reported in the same period in the 2016-17 and 2014-15 season, respectively. Cases of influenza B this season were distributed more evenly across all age-groups, with 36% of cases in adults 65 years of age and older, 23% of cases in adults 45-64 years of age, and 23% in children and adults under 20 years of age.
629 | 40 | 325 | 264 | 140 | 769 | 7% | |
764 | 38 | 387 | 339 | 462 | 1226 | 12% | |
1363 | 55 | 676 | 632 | 468 | 1831 | 18% | |
1351 | 47 | 682 | 622 | 610 | 1961 | 19% | |
3588 | 17 | 2165 | 1406 | 961 | 4549 | 44% | |
7695 | 197 | 4235 | 3263 | 2641 | 10336 | 100% | |
Table 1 Footnote 1 UnS: unsubtyped: The specimen was typed as influenza A, but no result for subtyping was available; Return to table 1 footnote1referrer |
Healthcare Professionals Sentinel Syndromic Surveillance
In week 52, 4.5% of visits to healthcare professionals were due to influenza-like illness (ILI); an increase compared to the previous week. Since week 49, the weekly proportion of healthcare visits for ILI has been similar to the 5-year average.
Figure 4 - Percentage of visits for ILI reported by sentinels by report week, Canada, weeks 2017-35 to 2017-52
Number of Sentinels Reporting in Week 52: 72
The shaded area represents the maximum and minimum percentage of visits for ILI reported by week from seasons 2012-13 to 2016-17
Figure 4 - Text Description Participatory Syndromic Surveillance
FluWatchers is a participatory ILI surveillance system that relies on weekly voluntary submissions of syndromic information from Canadians across Canada.
In week 52, 1,202 participants reported to FluWatchers, of which 6% reported symptoms of cough and fever, and 10% of these consulted a healthcare professional. Among participants who reported cough and fever, 78% reported days missed from work or school, resulting in a combined total of 180 missed days of work or school.
1202 | 6% | 10% | 78% | 180 |
In weeks 51 and 52, the number of reported laboratory-confirmed outbreaks of influenza increased. During this period, 137 new influenza outbreaks were reported: 97 in long-term care facilities, 12 in hospitals, and 28 in other settings. Among the 102 outbreaks with influenza type/subtype reported, 27 were associated with influenza B, and 69 were associated with influenza A, of which 21 were influenza A(H3N2) and 48 influenza A(unsubtyped). Six outbreaks were associated with a mix of influenza A and B.
To date this season, 293 influenza/ILI outbreaks have been reported, of which 166 (57%) occurred in LTC facilities. Among the 239 outbreaks for which the influenza type/subtype was reported, 179 were associated with influenza A (of which 99 were A(H3N2)), 51 were associated with influenza B, and nine were associated with a mix of A and B. Compared to recent influenza A(H3N2) seasons at week 52 or 53, the number of cumulative outbreaks reported this season has been slightly greater than during the 2016-17 and 2012-13 seasons, and lower compared to the 2014-15 season.
Figure 5 - Number of new outbreaks of laboratory-confirmed influenza by report week, Canada, weeks 2017-35 to 2017-52
Figure 5 - Text Description Severe Outcomes Influenza Surveillance
Provincial/Territorial Influenza Hospitalizations and Deaths
In weeks 51 and 52, 94 influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported by participating provinces and territoriesFootnote1. However, this is an underrepresentation of the number of hospitalizations for this period, due to gaps in reporting. Retrospective updates will be included in the next FluWatch report.
To date this season, 1,050 influenza-associated hospitalizations have been reported, 87% of which were associated with influenza A, and 710 cases (68%) were in adults 65 years of age or older. To date, 93 ICU admissions and 34 deaths have been reported.
Figure 6 - Cumulative numbers of hospitalizations by age-group reported by participating provinces and territoriesfigure 6 note1, weeks 2017-35 to 2017-52
Figure 6 - Text Description Figure 6 note 1 Influenza-associated hospitalizations are reported by NL, PE, NS, NB, MB, AB, YT and NT. Only hospitalizations that require intensive medical care are reported by SK.
Return to figure 6 note1referrer
Pediatric Influenza Hospitalizations and Deaths
In weeks 51 and 52, the number of laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated pediatric (≤16 years of age) hospitalizations reported by the Immunization Monitoring Program Active (IMPACT) network continued to increase. A total of 84 hospitaliations were reported in this two-week period, of which 54 (64%) were due to influenza A. After several weeks above average, the number of hospitalizations reported in week 52 was similar to the seven-season weekly average.
To date this season, 195 pediatric hospitalizations have been reported by the IMPACT network, 144 (74%) of which were associated with influenza A. Thirty-five ICU admissions and fewer than five deaths have been reported. Compared to recent influenza A(H3N2) seasons at week 52, the number of hospitalizations reported this season have been greater than the 2016-17 season, but below the 2014-15 and 2012-13 seasons.
Figure 7 - Cumulative numbers of pediatric hospitalizations (≤16 years of age) with influenza by type and age-group reported by the IMPACT network, Canada, weeks 2017-35 to 2017-52
Figure 7 - Text Description Figure 8 - Number of pediatric hospitalizations (≤16 years of age) with influenza reported by the IMPACT network, by week, Canada, weeks 2017-35 to 2017-52
Figure 8 - Text Description Figure 8 Footnote 1 The shaded area represents the maximum and minimum number of cases reported by week from seasons 2010-11 to 2016-17
Return to figure 8 note1referrer
Influenza Strain Characterizations
During the 2017-18 influenza season, the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) has characterized 273 influenza viruses [190 A(H3N2), 20 A(H1N1)pdm09 and 63 B viruses] that were received from Canadian laboratories.
Antigenic Characterization
Among influenza viruses characterized by hemagglutination inhibition assay during the 2017-18 season, most viruses were antigenically similar to the cell-culture propagated reference strains recommended by WHO.
A/Hong Kong/4801/2014-like | 52 | Viruses antigenically similar to A/Hong Kong/4801/2014, the A(H3N2) component of the 2017-18 Northern Hemisphere's trivalent and quadrivalent vaccine. |
A/Michigan/45/2015-like | 20 | Viruses antigenically similar to A/Michigan/45/2015, the A(H1N1) component of the 2017-18 Northern Hemisphere's trivalent and quadrivalent influenza vaccine. |
B/Brisbane/60/2008-like (Victoria lineage) |
1 | Viruses antigenically similar to B/Brisbane/60/2008. B/Brisbane/60/2008 is the influenza B component of the 2017-18 Northern Hemisphere's trivalent and quadrivalent influenza vaccine. |
Reduced titer to B/Brisbane/60/2008 (Victoria lineage) |
5 | These B/Victoria lineage viruses reacted poorly with antisera raised against cell-propagated B/Brisbane/60/2008, suggesting some antigenic differences. |
B/Phuket/3073/2013-like (Yamagata lineage) |
57 | Viruses antigenically similar to B/Phuket/3073/2013, the additional influenza B component of the 2017-18 Northern Hemisphere quadrivalent influenza vaccine. |
During the 2017-18 season, 138 A(H3N2) viruses did not grow to sufficient titers for antigenic characterization by HI assay. Therefore, genetic characterization was performed to determine to which genetic group they belong. Sequence analysis showed that 111 A(H3N2) viruses belonged to genetic group 3C.2a and 27 viruses belonged to subclade 3C.2a1.
Additionally, of the 52 influenza A(H3N2) viruses that were characterized antigenically as similar to A/Hong Kong/4801/2014, 29 belonged to genetic group 3C.2a and four viruses belonged to subclade 3C.2a1. Sequencing is pending for the remaining 19 viruses.
A/Hong Kong/4801/2014-like virus belongs to genetic group 3C.2a and is the influenza A/H3N2 component of the 2017-18 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine.
Genetic Characterization of Influenza B viruses
Among the viruses characterized antigenically as having reduced titer to ferret antisera produced against cell-propagated B/Brisbane/60/2008, sequence analysis showed that all five viruses had a two amino acids deletion in the HA gene.
Antiviral Resistance
During the 2017-18 season, the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) has tested 287 influenza viruses for resistance to oseltamivir, and 226 for resistance to zanamivir. All viruses were sensitive to these neuraminidase inhibitors (Table 4).
A (H3N2) | 206 | 0 (0%) | 168 | 0 (0%) |
A (H1N1) | 20 | 0 (0%) | 12 | 0 (0%) |
B | 61 | 0 (0%) | 46 | 0 (0%) |
TOTAL | 287 | 0 (0%) | 226 | 0 (0%) |
Note: Since the 2009 pandemic, all circulating influenza A viruses have been resistant to amantadine, and it is therefore not currently recommended for use in the treatment of influenza. During the 2017-18 season, the subset of influenza A viruses that were tested for resistance to amantadine were resistant. |
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