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  • British Columbia Influenza Surveillance Bulletin 2012-13 Weeks 13-15

    BRITISH COLUMBIA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE BULLETIN
    2012-13: Number 1, Weeks 37-43
    September 9 to October 27, 2012

    Low-level influenza activity in BC

    Summary

    During weeks 37-43 (September 9 to October 27, 2012), which includes the beginning of the new 2012-2013 influenza reporting period, influenza activity in BC remained at a low level. The proportion of patients with influenza-like illness among those presenting to sentinel physicians by week was 0.2% or less, within the expected level of this time of year. No lab-confirmed influenza outbreaks were reported. Among the 548 specimens tested at the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory, PHSA, rhino/enteroviruses continue to predominate (202/548, 37%). Influenza virus was identified in four (4/548, 0.7%) specimens, including two A/H3N2 (weeks 39 and 41), one influenza B (week 43), and one unsubtyped influenza A (week 43). Other respiratory viruses were also sporadically detected.
    ...

    Full report:


    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
    -Nelson Mandela

  • #2
    Re: British Columbia Influenza Surveillance Bulletin 2012-13 Weeks 44-45

    BRITISH COLUMBIA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE BULLETIN
    2012-13: Number 2, Weeks 44-45
    October 28 to November 10, 2012

    Influenza activity in BC remains low; sporadic detection of influenza B and A/H3N2

    Summary

    During weeks 44-45 (October 28 to November 10, 2012), influenza activity in BC increased slightly, but overall remained at a low level. The proportion of patients with influenza-like illness among those presenting to sentinel physicians was around 0.2%, within the expected level of this time of year. No lab-confirmed influenza outbreaks were reported. Compared to previous weeks, more influenza viruses were detected during this period; among 196 specimens submitted, eight (4.1%) influenza viruses were reported from Fraser and Vancouver Health Authorities, including 4 A/H3N2 and 4 influenza B. Rhino/enteroviruses continued to predominate (52/196, 26.4%). Other respiratory viruses were also sporadically detected.
    ...

    Full report:
    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
    -Nelson Mandela

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: British Columbia Influenza Surveillance Bulletin 2012-13 Week 46

      BRITISH COLUMBIA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE BULLETIN
      2012-13: Number 3, Week 46
      November 11 to 17, 2012
      Early low-level signals of increase in influenza activity in BC

      Summary

      During week 46 (November 11-17, 2012), there were low-level signals of increase in influenza activity in BC from the previous week, still within the expected level for this time of the year. The proportion of patients with influenza-like illness among those presenting to sentinel physicians was 0.23%, higher than the previous week, but within the expected level of this time of year. The ILI consultation rate in the BC Children?s Hospital ER increased to 9.3%, still consistent with this time of year. Two lab-confirmed A/H3N2 influenza outbreaks were reported in week 46 from long-term care facilities in Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. So far in the current week (week 47), one school ILI outbreak has been reported from Northern Health Authority (pathogen unknown), and one influenza A outbreak has been reported from a long-term care facility in Fraser Health Authority (subtype pending). Compared to the previous weeks, influenza virus detections increased in week 46. Out of the 97 specimens submitted, 13 (13.4%) were positive for influenza, including 12 A/H3N2 from all Health Authorities except Northern, and 1 influenza B from Interior Health Authority. Rhino/enteroviruses continued to predominate (22/97, 22.7%). Other respiratory viruses were also sporadically detected.
      ...

      Full report:
      "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
      -Nelson Mandela

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: British Columbia Influenza Surveillance Bulletin 2012-13 Week 47

        BRITISH COLUMBIA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE BULLETIN
        2012-13: Number 4, Week 47
        November 18 to 24, 2012

        Influenza A/H3N2 activity in BC continues to increase

        Summary

        During week 47 (November 18-24, 2012), influenza activity in BC continued to increase from the previous week. The proportion of patients with influenza-like illness among those presenting to sentinel physicians was 0.34%, higher than the previous week, but within the expected range for this time of year. There was one school ILI outbreak reported from NHA in week 47, and one from IHA starting early in week 48. Two ILI outbreaks were reported from long-term care facilities in FHA in the beginning of week 48 (one lab-confirmed influenza A/H3N2, the other lab-confirmed rhino/enterovirus). Compared to the previous weeks, influenza virus detections continued to increase in week 47. Out of 150 specimens submitted to the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory, PHSA, 24 (16%) were positive for influenza, including 21 A/H3N2 and 3 A (subtype pending). Of note, 66.7% of the total influenza detections in week 47 were from Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. Among other respiratory viruses, rhino/enterovirus (30/150, 20.7%) and parainfluenza (15/150, 10.7%) were the most common detections. Other respiratory viruses were also sporadically detected.

        Full text:
        "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
        -Nelson Mandela

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: British Columbia Influenza Surveillance Bulletin 2012-13 Week 48

          BRITISH COLUMBIA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE BULLETIN
          2012-13: Number 5, Week 48
          November 25 to December 1, 2012

          Influenza activity continues to increase in BC

          Summary

          During week 48 (November 25 to December 1, 2012), most indicators suggested that influenza activity in BC continued to increase. The proportion of patients with influenza-like illness among those presenting to sentinel physicians was 0.35%, higher than the previous week. The MSP influenza illness proportion was above the 10-year median for this time of year throughout the province. Four ILI outbreaks were reported in week 48 including two from long-term care facilities in FHA (one A/H3N2, the other rhino/enterovirus) and two from schools in IHA (unknown pathogen). So far in the beginning of week 49, two school ILI outbreaks have been reported from NHA (one A/H3N2, the other of unknown pathogen). During week 48, out of 138 specimens tested at the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory, PHSA, 15 (10.9%) were positive for influenza, including 13 A/H3N2 and 2 influenza B. Among other respiratory viruses, rhino/enterovirus (32/138, 23.2%) continued to be the most common detection. Compared to the previous week, more influenza viruses (4/73, 5.5%) were detected by BC Children?s and Women?s Health Centre Laboratory in week 48. The ILI consultation rate in BC Children?s Hospital ER continued to increase (11.2%).

          Full report:
          "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
          -Nelson Mandela

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: British Columbia Influenza Surveillance Bulletin 2012-13 Week 49

            BRITISH COLUMBIA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE BULLETIN
            2012-13: Number 6, Week 49
            December 2 to 8, 2012

            Influenza activity continues to increase in BC

            Summary

            During week 49 (December 2 to 8, 2012), most indicators suggested that influenza activity in BC continued to increase. The proportion of patients with influenza-like illness among those presenting to sentinel physicians was 0.24%, similar to the previous week and within the expected level of this time of year. The MSP influenza illness proportion was above the 10-year median for this time of year in three of the five Health Authorities, and at the provincial level. Three ILI outbreaks were reported from long-term care facilities in FHA in week 49 (two un-subtyped influenza A, the other lab-negative for respiratory viruses). Five school ILI outbreaks were reported from NHA (2 lab-confirmed A/H3N2, 3 unknown pathogen). So far in the beginning of week 50, one school ILI outbreak has been reported from NHA (unknown pathogen). During week 49, out of 161 specimens tested at the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory, PHSA, 31 (19.3%) were positive for influenza, including 30 A/H3N2 and 1 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. Among other respiratory viruses, rhino/enterovirus (12/161, 7.5%) and parainfluenza (12/161, 7.5%) were the most common detections. Other respiratory viruses were also detected sporadically. Compared to the previous week, more influenza viruses (5/68, 7.4%) were detected by BC Children?s and Women?s Health Centre Laboratory in week 49. The ILI consultation rate in BC Children?s Hospital ER continued to increase (11.5%).

            Full report:
            "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
            -Nelson Mandela

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: British Columbia Influenza Surveillance Bulletin 2012-13 Week 50

              BRITISH COLUMBIA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE BULLETIN
              2012-13: Number 7, Week 50
              December 9 to 15, 2012

              Influenza activity ongoing in BC

              Summary

              During week 50 (December 9 to 15, 2012), most indicators suggested an increasing level of influenza activity in BC compared to previous weeks. The proportion of patients with influenza-like illness among those presenting to sentinel physicians was 0.45%, markedly higher than the previous week but within the expected level for this time of year. At the provincial level, the MSP influenza illness proportion remained slightly above the 10-year median for this time of year. Three ILI outbreaks were reported in week 50, including two from long-term care facilities in FHA (one lab-confirmed influenza A, one lab-confirmed RSV) and one from a school in IHA (pathogen unknown). So far in the beginning of week 51, two school ILI outbreaks have been reported: one from NHA and one from IHA (unknown pathogen). During week 50, out of 162 specimens tested at the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory, PHSA, 35 (21.6%) were positive for influenza viruses including 1 A(H1N1)pdm09 and 34 A/H3N2. Other respiratory viruses were also detected sporadically. Compared to the previous week, more influenza viruses (7/68, 10.3%) were detected by BC Children?s and Women?s Health Centre Laboratory in week 50. The ILI consultation rate in BC Children?s Hospital ER continued to increase (14.9%).

              For your information, updated antiviral guidance of the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI Canada) entitled ?The use of antiviral drugs for influenza: Guidance for practitioners 2012/2013? is now available from www.ammi.ca/guidelines and includes updated dosing guidance of which clinicians should be aware for their patients with reduced creatinine clearance.

              Full report:
              "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
              -Nelson Mandela

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: British Columbia Influenza Surveillance Bulletin 2012-13 Weeks 51-52

                BRITISH COLUMBIA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE BULLETIN
                2012-13: Number 8, Weeks 51-52
                December 16 to 29, 2012


                Influenza spiking in BC

                Summary

                Influenza activity in BC began to spike as we entered the holiday period during the final weeks of 2012 (weeks 51-52: December 16 to 29, 2012). Across the province, the proportion of medical visits with an influenza diagnosis increased to above the 75th percentile compared to the same period during the prior ten years. Consultations for influenza-like illness at BC Children?s Hospital emergency room also increased sharply compared to prior weeks, higher also than recent seasons. There has also been sharp increase in the proportion of respiratory specimens diagnosed as influenza at both the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference, and the BC Children?s and Women?s Health Centre Laboratories. Other respiratory viruses were also detected but influenza predominated overall. There were seven laboratory-confirmed influenza A outbreaks in long-term care facilities during this two-week period which represents nearly half of the total tally to date for the season (16 so far in total since week 40).
                ...
                Laboratory Reports
                In weeks 51-52, three hundred and forty specimens were tested for influenza viruses at the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory, PHSA, of which 129 (37.9%) overall were positive for influenza (week 51: 81/180 [45%], week 52: 48/160 [30%]). During this period, H3N2 subtype viruses predominated. There was a single A(H1N1)pdm09 detected in week 51 compared to 79 A/H3N2 (72 in week 51, 7 in week 52), and 6 influenza B (3 from FHA in week 51, 1 from VCHA in week 51, 2 from VIHA in week 52). An additional 43 influenza A detections are awaiting subtyping (4 in week 51 and 39 in week 52). Other significant detections included RSV (23/340, 6.8%), rhino/enterovirus (18/340, 5.3%) and coronavirus (15/340, 4.4%). Other respiratory viruses were also sporadically detected. Overall, influenza A/H3N2 predominated among respiratory virus detections.
                ...

                Full report:
                "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                -Nelson Mandela

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: British Columbia Influenza Surveillance Bulletin 2012-13 Week 1

                  BRITISH COLUMBIA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE BULLETIN
                  2012-13: Number 9, Week 1
                  December 30, 2012 to January 5, 2013

                  Influenza activity remains elevated in BC

                  Summary

                  During week 1of 2013 (30 December 2012 to 5 January 2013), influenza activity remained elevated in BC. Across the province, the proportion of medical visits with an influenza diagnosis increased over the previous weeks, and remained above the 75th percentile compared to the same period during the prior ten years. Consultations for influenza-like illness at BC Children?s Hospital emergency room continued to increase, remaining higher than recent seasons. The proportion of patients with influenza-like illness among those presenting to sentinel physicians increased although remaining within the expected level for this time of year. There was further increase in the number of lab-confirmed influenza A (mainly H3N2) outbreaks reported from long-term care facilities. During week 1, about half of the specimens tested at the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory were positive for influenza (45.2%). At BC Children?s and Women?s Health Centre Laboratory, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continued to dominate although influenza detections remained elevated.
                  ...
                  Laboratory Reports
                  In week 1, 380 specimens were tested for influenza viruses at the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory, PHSA, of which 169 (45.2%) overall were positive for influenza, including 161 influenza A from all Health Authorities (111 influenza A/H3N2, 50 influenza A [subtype pending]), and 8 influenza B from FHA, VCHA and VIHA. Among other respiratory viruses, RSV was the most commonly detected (40/380, 10.5%). Other respiratory viruses were also sporadically detected. Influenza thus remains the most likely cause of acute respiratory illness for which testing was undertaken during week 1.
                  ...
                  ILI Outbreaks
                  During week 1, there were 11 laboratory-confirmed outbreaks reported from long-term care facilities (LTCF) from all Health Authorities (8 influenza A/H3N2, 3 influenza A [subtype pending]). An additional 5 outbreaks in LTCFs (1 lab result negative, 4 with lab result pending) and one lab-confirmed influenza A school outbreak were further reported in week 1. To-date in the beginning of week 2, four additional ILI outbreaks have been reported from LTCF (1 influenza A, the rest pending lab result or pathogen unknown) and one additional from a school in Interior HA. With update to holiday reporting, this brings the total lab-confirmed outbreaks from LTCFs in BC to 34 for the current season since week 40 (30 September 2012), with most of these reports accruing in the past three weeks.

                  Full report:
                  "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                  -Nelson Mandela

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: British Columbia Influenza Surveillance Bulletin 2012-13 Week 2

                    BRITISH COLUMBIA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE BULLETIN
                    2012-13: Number 10, Week 2
                    January 6 to 12, 2013

                    Widespread influenza activity in BC

                    Summary

                    During week 2 (6 to 12 January 2013), influenza activity in BC remained high and by most indicators, increased slightly. The proportion of patients with influenza-like illness among those presenting to sentinel physicians increased significantly from the previous week, rising above the expected range for this time of year. Across most of the province, the proportion of medical visits with an influenza diagnosis continued to increase over the previous week, compared to the same period during the prior ten years. We continue to observe a large volume of ILI (including confirmed influenza A) outbreaks in long-term care facilities. During week 2, more than a third (38.8%) of the specimens tested at the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory were positive for influenza, predominately A/H3N2. At BC Children?s and Women?s Health Centre Laboratory, the influenza positive rate remained similar to the previous week. Consultations for influenza-like illness at BC Children?s Hospital emergency room dropped compared to the previous week but remained higher than recent seasons.
                    ...
                    Laboratory Reports
                    In week 2, 508 specimens were tested for influenza viruses at the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory, PHSA, of which 197 (38.8%) were positive for influenza, including 181 influenza A from all Health Authorities [72 A/H3N2, 4 A(H1N1)pdm09, 105 A (subtype pending)], and 16 influenza B. Among other respiratory viruses, RSV continued to be the most common detection (39/508, 7.7%). Other respiratory viruses were also sporadically detected. Influenza thus remains the most likely cause of acute respiratory illness for which testing was undertaken during week 2. However, the recent high level of influenza positives may partially reflect the clustering of specimens submitted from facility outbreaks.
                    ...
                    ILI Outbreaks
                    During week 2, 15 ILI outbreaks were reported from long-term care facilities (LTCF), including 9 lab-confirmed influenza A (FHA: 3; IHA: 1; VCHA: 2, VIHA: 3), and six with negative or pending lab result. One school ILI outbreak was reported from IHA in week 2. In the beginning of week 3, five ILI outbreaks from LTCFs (1 influenza A in FHA; the rest pending lab result) and seven from schools (IHA: 4; NHA: 2, VCHA: 1) have been reported. To date, 50 lab-confirmed influenza outbreaks have thus been reported from LTCFs in BC in the current season since week 40 (30 September 2012), with 72% of these outbreaks reported since week 52 (23 December 2012).
                    ...
                    Full report:
                    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                    -Nelson Mandela

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: British Columbia Influenza Surveillance Bulletin 2012-13 Week 3

                      BRITISH COLUMBIA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE BULLETIN
                      2012-13: Number 11, Week 3
                      January 13 to 19, 2013

                      Influenza activity remains high in BC

                      Summary

                      During week 3 (13 to 19 January 2013), influenza activity in BC remained high. The proportion of patients with influenza-like illness among those presenting to sentinel physicians continued to increase, and was well above the expected range for this time of year. The proportion of medical visits with an influenza diagnosis remained high in most Health Authorities and at the provincial level. We continued to observe a large volume of ILI (including confirmed influenza) outbreaks in long-term care facilities. During week 3, more than a third of the respiratory specimens tested at the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory were positive for influenza, predominately A/H3N2. Among other viruses, respiratory syncytial virus continued to be the most common detection. At the BC Children?s and Women?s Health Centre Laboratory, the influenza positive percentage declined for the second week in a row, and the consultations for influenza-like illness at BC Children?s Hospital emergency room also dropped compared to the previous week, possibly suggesting declining influenza activity in children. As a result of elevated influenza activity, reporting from some sources may be delayed longer than normal, thus data for current and previous weeks are likely to change as additional reports are received.
                      ...
                      Laboratory Reports
                      In week 3, the volume of specimens tested at the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory, PHSA, remained high but the percentage positive for influenza has declined compared to previous weeks. In week 3, of 540 specimens tested for influenza viruses, 194 (35.9%) were positive for influenza, including 178 influenza A from all Health Authorities [110 A/H3N2, 12 A(H1N1)pdm09, 56 A (subtype pending)], and 16 influenza B from all Health Authorities except Interior. Among other respiratory viruses, RSV continued to be the most common detection (40/540, 7.4%). Other respiratory viruses were also sporadically detected. Influenza thus remains the most likely cause of acute respiratory illness for which testing was undertaken during week 3. However, the recent high level of influenza positives may partially reflect the clustering of specimens submitted from facility outbreaks.
                      ...
                      ILI Outbreaks
                      During week 3, 13 ILI outbreaks were reported from long-term care facilities (LTCF), including 7 lab-confirmed influenza A, 1 lab-confirmed influenza B, and 5 with pending or negative lab result. 14 school ILI outbreaks were further reported in week 3 including 1 lab-confirmed influenza A. In the beginning of week 4, eight ILI outbreaks have been reported (4 from LTCFs, 4 from schools). To date, 62 lab-confirmed influenza outbreaks have thus been reported from LTCFs in BC in the current season since week 40 (30 September 2012): 28 in Fraser, 15 in Interior, 8 in Vancouver Coastal, 6 in Northern, and 5 in Vancouver Island Health Authority.
                      ...

                      Full report:
                      "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                      -Nelson Mandela

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: British Columbia Influenza Surveillance Bulletin 2012-13 Week 4

                        BRITISH COLUMBIA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE BULLETIN
                        2012-13: Number 12, Week 4
                        January 20 to 26, 2013

                        Summary

                        Influenza activity in BC remained high in week 4 (January 20-26, 2013). During this week, the proportion of patients with influenza-like illness among those presenting to sentinel physicians continued to increase, and remained well above the expected range for this time of year. The proportion of medical visits with an influenza diagnosis appears to have reached a high plateau at the provincial level and in most Health Authorities. Compared to the previous week, fewer ILI outbreaks were received from long-term care facilities. For the fifth consecutive week, more than a third of the respiratory specimens tested at the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory were positive for influenza, predominantly A/H3N2. Among other viruses, respiratory syncytial virus continued to be the most common detection. Compared to the previous week, at the BC Children?s and Women?s Health Centre Laboratory, the influenza positive percentage increased slightly but was close to expected levels; and the consultations for influenza-like illness at BC Children?s Hospital emergency room remained elevated.
                        ...
                        Laboratory Reports
                        In week 4, five hundred and fifty-eight specimens were tested at the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory, PHSA. Among them, 213 (38.2%) were positive for influenza, including 192 influenza A from all Health Authorities [89 A/H3N2, 16 A(H1N1)pdm09, 87 A (subtype pending)], and 21 influenza B from all HA except Northern. A small increase in the contribution of influenza B was noted over the past four weeks (from 1% to 4% of influenza detections). Among other respiratory viruses, RSV continued to be the most common detection (50/558, 9%). Other respiratory viruses were also sporadically detected. Influenza remains the most likely cause of acute respiratory illness for which testing was undertaken during week 4. However, the continuing high level of influenza positives may partially reflect the clustering of specimens submitted from facility outbreaks.
                        ...
                        ILI Outbreaks
                        During week 4, 8 ILI outbreaks were reported from long-term care facilities (LTCF), including 3 lab-confirmed influenza A and 5 with pending or negative lab result. 15 school ILI outbreaks (unknown pathogen) were further reported in week 4. In the beginning of week 5, 3 outbreaks from LTCF and 10 school ILI outbreaks (unknown pathogen) have been reported. To date, 74 lab-confirmed influenza outbreaks have thus been reported from LTCFs in BC in the current season since week 40 (30 September 2012): 32 in Fraser, 20 in Interior, 9 in Vancouver Coastal, 6 in Northern, and 7 in Vancouver Island Health Authority.
                        ...

                        Full report:
                        "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                        -Nelson Mandela

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: British Columbia Influenza Surveillance Bulletin 2012-13 Week 6

                          BRITISH COLUMBIA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE BULLETIN
                          2012-13: Number 14, Week 6
                          February 3 to 9, 2013

                          Influenza activity in BC declining after peak

                          Summary

                          In week 6 (February 3 to 9, 2013), most indicators suggest that the peak of influenza activity in BC has passed. The proportion of patients with influenza-like illness among those presenting to sentinel physicians decreased and fell within the expected range for this time of year. The proportion of medical visits with an influenza diagnosis continued to decrease, with most regions at or approaching seasonal norms, though some variation exists. Less than a third of the respiratory specimens tested at the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory were positive for influenza, predominantly A/H3N2. Among other viruses, respiratory syncytial virus continued to be the most common detection. The number of long-term care facility lab-confirmed influenza outbreaks continued to decline in the past few weeks. Compared to previous weeks, at the BC Children?s and Women?s Health Centre Laboratory, the influenza-positive percentage declined. The proportion of consultations for influenza-like illness at BC Children?s Hospital emergency room, however, remained somewhat elevated.
                          ...
                          Laboratory Reports
                          In week 6, the volume of specimens submitted for influenza testing and the influenza positive rate decreased compared to the previous week with an increasing proportion of influenza B. During this period, three hundred and fifty-six specimens were tested at the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory, PHSA. Among them, 110 (30.9%) were positive for influenza, including 83 influenza A from all Health Authorities except Northern [44 A/H3N2, 9 A(H1N1)pdm09, 30 A (subtype pending)], and 27 influenza B from all Health Authorities but Interior. Among other respiratory viruses, RSV continued to be the most common detection (56/356, 16%). Due to recent high laboratory volumes, only a subset of submitted specimens (303) were further tested for other viruses, indicating sporadic detections of these viruses.
                          ...
                          ILI Outbreaks
                          The number of outbreaks reported from long-term care facilities (LTCF) continued to decline in week 6. During this period, five ILI outbreaks were reported from LTCF, including two lab-confirmed influenza A in Fraser and Vancouver Island Health Authorities, one parainfluenza in Fraser, and two with negative or pending lab result. Eight school ILI outbreaks (unknown pathogen) were further reported in week 6. In the beginning of week 7, one school ILI outbreak (unknown pathogen) and one lab-confirmed LTCF RSV outbreak have been reported. To date, 82 lab-confirmed influenza outbreaks have been reported from LTCFs in BC in the current season (since week 40, 30 September 2012): 35 in Fraser, 21 in Interior, 10 in Vancouver Coastal, 10 in Vancouver Island, and 6 in Northern Health Authority.
                          ...

                          Full report:
                          "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                          -Nelson Mandela

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: British Columbia Influenza Surveillance Bulletin 2012-13 Week 6

                            BRITISH COLUMBIA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE BULLETIN
                            2012-13: Number 15, Week 7
                            February 10 to 16, 2013

                            Influenza activity in BC declines to expected seasonal levels

                            Summary

                            In week 7 (February 10 to 16, 2013), indicators suggest that the influenza activity in BC has returned to expected levels for this time of the year. The proportion of patients with influenza-like illness among those presenting to sentinel physicians continued to decrease, and lies within the expected range for this time of year. The proportion of medical visits with an influenza diagnosis was at or below seasonal norms throughout the province. In both BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory and BC Children and Women?s Centre Laboratory, the percentage of influenza viruses detected continued to decrease, whereas the proportion of respiratory syncytial virus detections continued to increase. Less than a quarter of the specimens tested at the provincial laboratory were positive for influenza, predominantly A/H3N2, though the share of A/H3N2 has dropped. Among other viruses, respiratory syncytial virus continued to be the most common detection. The number of long-term care facility lab-confirmed influenza outbreaks continued to decline in the past few weeks. Compared to the previous week, the proportion of consultations for influenza-like illness at BC Children?s Hospital emergency room declined though remained somewhat elevated.
                            ...
                            Laboratory Reports
                            In week 7, both the volume of specimens submitted for respiratory virus testing and the influenza positive rate continued to decline compared to previous weeks. During this period, 340 specimens were tested at the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory, PHSA. Among them, 82 (24.1%) were positive for influenza, including 61 influenza A from all Health Authorities [41 A/H3N2, 13 A(H1N1)pdm09, 7 A (subtype pending)], and 21 influenza B from all HA but Northern. The proportion of A/H3N2 among influenza positive specimens continued to decline. Among other respiratory viruses, RSV continued to be the most common detection (71/340, 20.9%). A subset of submitted specimens (286) was further tested for other viruses, indicating sporadic detections of these viruses.
                            ...
                            ILI Outbreaks
                            The number of outbreaks reported from long-term care facilities (LTCF) continued to decline in week 7. During this period, three ILI outbreaks were reported from LTCFs including 2 in Fraser HA (1 RSV, 1 lab result pending)and 1 lab-confirmed influenza B in Vancouver Island HA. Two school ILI outbreaks (unknown pathogen) were further reported in week 7. In the beginning of week 8, one lab-confirmed LTCF influenza A outbreak has been reported from Vancouver Coastal HA. To date, 85 lab-confirmed influenza outbreaks have been reported from LTCFs in BC in the current season (since week 40, 30 September 2012): 35 in Fraser, 21 in Interior, 11 in Vancouver Coastal, 12 in Vancouver Island, and 6 in Northern Health Authority.
                            ...
                            Full report:
                            "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                            -Nelson Mandela

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: British Columbia Influenza Surveillance Bulletin 2012-13 Week 8

                              BRITISH COLUMBIA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE BULLETIN
                              2012-13: Number 16, Week 8
                              February 17 to 23, 2013

                              Influenza activity in BC continues at expected seasonal levels

                              Summary

                              In week 8 (February 17 to 23, 2013), most indicators suggest that influenza activity in BC remains at levels expected at this time of the year. The proportion of medical visits with an influenza diagnosis remained below seasonal norms throughout the province. Less than a quarter of the specimens tested at the provincial laboratory were positive for influenza, still predominantly influenza A, but with slightly increased influenza B contribution compared to the previous week. Among other viruses, respiratory syncytial virus continued to be the most common detection. Few influenza-like illness outbreaks were reported in week 8. Compared to the previous week, the proportion of consultations for influenza-like illness at BC Children?s Hospital emergency room declined slightly. At the BC Children and Women?s Centre Laboratory, the percentage of influenza viruses detected continued to decrease, while the proportion of respiratory syncytial virus detections continued to increase.
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                              Laboratory Reports
                              In week 8, three hundred and twenty-two specimens were tested at the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory, PHSA. Among them, 77 (23.9%) were positive for influenza, including 50 influenza A from all Health Authorities but Northern [13 A/H3N2, 5 A(H1N1)pdm09, 32 A (subtype pending)], and 27 influenza B from all HAs. Among influenza-positive specimens, the proportion of influenza B (35%) increased slightly. Among other respiratory viruses, RSV continued to dominate (67/309, 21.7%). A subset of submitted specimens (304) was further tested for other viruses, showing sporadic detections of these viruses.
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                              ILI Outbreaks
                              In week 8, two lab-confirmed influenza A outbreaks were reported from LTCFs in Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health Authorities, which brings the total lab-confirmed influenza LTCF outbreaks to 87 in BC for the current season (since week 40, 30 September 2012): 36 in Fraser, 21 in Interior, 12 in Vancouver Coastal, 12 in Vancouver Island, and 6 in Northern Health Authority. Two school ILI outbreaks were further reported in week 8 in Vancouver Coastal and Interior Health Authority (unknown pathogen).
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                              Full report:
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                              -Nelson Mandela

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