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Re: British Columbia Influenza Surveillance Bulletin 2012-13 Weeks 9-10
BRITISH COLUMBIA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE BULLETIN
2012-13: Number 17, Weeks 9-10
February 24 to March 9, 2013
Influenza activity in BC continues at low levels
Summary
In weeks 9-10 (February 24 to March 9, 2013), most indicators suggest that influenza activity in BC remains low. The proportion of medical visits with an influenza diagnosis remained below seasonal norms throughout the province. The proportion of patients with influenza-like illness among those presenting to sentinel physicians was lower than the previous week and within the expected range for this time of year. Less than a quarter of the specimens tested at the provincial laboratory were positive for influenza, still predominantly influenza A, but with an increasing B contribution. No lab-confirmed influenza outbreaks were reported during this period. Compared to the previous week, the average proportion of consultations during this period 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, and the proportion of respiratory syncytial virus detections declined sharply but remained the most common virus detected.
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Laboratory Reports
As reported by the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory, PHSA for weeks 9-10, four hundred and sixty-two specimens were tested for influenza. Among them, 88 (19.0%) were positive, including 46 influenza A from all Health Authorities but Northern [21 A/H3N2, 10 A(H1N1)pdm09, 15 A (subtype pending)], and 42 influenza B from all Health Authorities. Compared to the previous week, the average proportion of influenza B among influenza-positive specimens during this period increased (42/88, 47.7%).
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ILI Outbreaks
In weeks 9-10, no lab-confirmed influenza outbreaks were reported from long-term care facilities (LTCF). In total, 85 lab-confirmed influenza LTCF outbreaks have been reported in BC for the current season (since week 40, 30 September 2012): 36 in Fraser, 20 in Interior, 12 in Vancouver Coastal, 13 in Vancouver Island, and 4 in Northern Health Authority?. One outbreak from a LTCF in Northern Health Authority (parainfluenza) and four school ILI outbreaks (NHA: 3; IHA:1; all unknown pathogen) were further reported during this period. In the beginning of week 11, one school outbreak has been reported from NHA (unknown pathogen).
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Full report:
BRITISH COLUMBIA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE BULLETIN
2012-13: Number 17, Weeks 9-10
February 24 to March 9, 2013
Influenza activity in BC continues at low levels
Summary
In weeks 9-10 (February 24 to March 9, 2013), most indicators suggest that influenza activity in BC remains low. The proportion of medical visits with an influenza diagnosis remained below seasonal norms throughout the province. The proportion of patients with influenza-like illness among those presenting to sentinel physicians was lower than the previous week and within the expected range for this time of year. Less than a quarter of the specimens tested at the provincial laboratory were positive for influenza, still predominantly influenza A, but with an increasing B contribution. No lab-confirmed influenza outbreaks were reported during this period. Compared to the previous week, the average proportion of consultations during this period 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, and the proportion of respiratory syncytial virus detections declined sharply but remained the most common virus detected.
...
Laboratory Reports
As reported by the BC Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory, PHSA for weeks 9-10, four hundred and sixty-two specimens were tested for influenza. Among them, 88 (19.0%) were positive, including 46 influenza A from all Health Authorities but Northern [21 A/H3N2, 10 A(H1N1)pdm09, 15 A (subtype pending)], and 42 influenza B from all Health Authorities. Compared to the previous week, the average proportion of influenza B among influenza-positive specimens during this period increased (42/88, 47.7%).
...
ILI Outbreaks
In weeks 9-10, no lab-confirmed influenza outbreaks were reported from long-term care facilities (LTCF). In total, 85 lab-confirmed influenza LTCF outbreaks have been reported in BC for the current season (since week 40, 30 September 2012): 36 in Fraser, 20 in Interior, 12 in Vancouver Coastal, 13 in Vancouver Island, and 4 in Northern Health Authority?. One outbreak from a LTCF in Northern Health Authority (parainfluenza) and four school ILI outbreaks (NHA: 3; IHA:1; all unknown pathogen) were further reported during this period. In the beginning of week 11, one school outbreak has been reported from NHA (unknown pathogen).
...
Full report:
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