Announcement

**Gert van der Hoek** · January 3, 2020, 03:59 PM

Week 52/2019 (23-29 December 2019)

Although only 25 Member States and areas reported data for week 52, sentinel surveillance data indicated influenza activity was still increasing across the region.
The majority of reported influenza virus detections from sentinel ILI surveillance across the Region were type A (62%).
The proportion of influenza A viruses decreased from 75% in week 50 to 62% in week 52; the distribution of A and B viruses varied considerably between Member States and areas.

2019/20 season overview

Influenza activity, particularly in sentinel surveillance for ambulatory patients, is still increasing in the European Region, but most countries still reported influenza activity rates that did not exceed baseline levels or were at low levels.
Influenza activity in the European Region, based on sentinel sampling, first exceeded a positivity rate of 10% in week 47/2019 and has remained over 10% for 6 weeks.
Type A viruses have dominated across the European Region, although a number of countries reported influenza type B virus dominance or co-dominance of types A and B viruses.
In sentinel sources, both influenza A subtypes, A(H3N2) and A(H1N1)pdm09, are co-circulating and of the influenza B viruses, the vast majority (97%) is B/Victoria lineage.
ECDC and WHO Regional Office published a joint Regional Situation Assessment of the 2019–2020 influenza season up to week 49/2019, which focuses on disease severity and impact on healthcare systems to assist forward planning in Member States.

**Gert van der Hoek** · January 13, 2020, 08:39 AM

Week 01/2020 (30 December 2019-5 January 2020)

One Member State reported high intensity activity for the first time this season and three reported medium intensity activity; however, the remainder reported baseline or low intensity levels.
The percentage of sentinel ILI surveillance patients positive for influenza virus remains elevated, but has varied in the last three weeks, probably related to under-reporting during the Christmas/New Year period.
The majority of reported influenza virus detections from sentinel ILI surveillance across the Region were type A (60%). This percentage has decreased each week from 78% in week 49 but varied between Member States and areas and within sub-regions.
Influenzanet, which uses self-reported symptoms for ILI surveillance in the general population of European countries, is included in the bulletin for the first time this week as a pilot. For the last several weeks, activity has been moderate and is currently increasing in the majority of participating countries.

2019/20 season overview

For the Region as a whole, influenza activity commenced earlier than previous years, increasing each week until week 51; since then it has remained elevated but variable.
Influenza activity in the European Region, based on sentinel sampling, first exceeded a positivity rate of 10% in week 47/2019 and has remained over 10% for 7 weeks.
Type A viruses have dominated across the European Region, although the proportion has been decreasing since week 49 and a number of countries have reported influenza type B virus dominance or co-dominance of types A and B viruses.
In sentinel sources, both influenza A subtypes, A(H3N2) and A(H1N1)pdm09, are co-circulating and of the influenza B viruses, the vast majority (97%) have been B/Victoria lineage.
ECDC and WHO Regional Office published a joint Regional Situation Assessment of the 2019–2020 influenza season up to week 49/2019, which focuses on disease severity and impact on healthcare systems to assist forward planning in Member States.

**Gert van der Hoek** · January 17, 2020, 09:04 AM

Week 02/2020 (6-12 January 2020)

Activity increased compared to week 01/2020, particularly in the southern part of the Region, with two Member States reporting high intensity and six reporting medium intensity. The remainder reported baseline or low intensity levels.
The percentage of samples from sentinel ILI surveillance patients that tested positive for influenza virus increased from 27% in the previous week to 40% this week.
The majority of reported influenza virus detections from sentinel ILI surveillance across the Region for week 02/2020 were type A (67%): this percentage has decreased from a high of 78% in week 49. The distribution of viruses detected varied between Member States and areas and within sub-regions.
Data from the 22 countries or regions reporting to the EuroMOMO project indicated that all-cause mortality was at expected levels for this time of the year.
ECDC published an Influenza virus characterization report, summarizing surveillance data in Europe through December 2019

2019/20 season overview

For the Region as a whole, influenza activity commenced earlier than previous years.
Influenza activity in the European Region, based on sentinel sampling, first exceeded a positivity rate of 10% in week 47/2019 and has remained over 10% for 8 weeks. There has been an overall increasing trend in the weekly positivity rate for influenza virus detections among sentinel ILI surveillance patients, following a dip in week 52.
Type A viruses have dominated across the European Region, though several Member States and areas have reported influenza type B virus dominance or co-dominance of types A and B viruses.
In sentinel sources, both influenza A subtypes, A(H3N2) and A(H1N1)pdm09, are co-circulating and of the influenza B viruses, the vast majority (98%) have been B/Victoria lineage.
Influenzanet, which uses self-reported symptoms for ILI surveillance in the general population of European countries, is included in the bulletin as a pilot for the 2019/2020 season.
ECDC and WHO Regional Office published a joint Regional Situation Assessment for the 2019–2020 influenza season up to week 49/2019, which focused on disease severity and impact on healthcare systems to assist forward planning in Member States.

https://flunewseurope.org/

**Gert van der Hoek** · January 24, 2020, 08:44 AM

Week 03/2020 (13-19 January 2020)

Influenza activity continued to increase, with one Member State reporting high intensity and eight reporting medium intensity. Widespread influenza activity was reported by the majority of Member States and areas across the Region.
Of the individuals sampled, on presenting with ILI or ARI to sentinel primary healthcare sites, 45% tested positive for influenza viruses.
Both influenza virus types A and B were co-circulating with a higher proportion (78%) of type A viruses detected.
The distribution of viruses detected varied between Member States and areas and within sub-regions. Although the majority of reported influenza virus detections across the Region were type A, two Member States reported influenza type B dominance and eight Member States and areas reported co-dominance of types A and B viruses.
In the majority of specimens from severe cases admitted to ICU and non-ICU hospital wards, influenza type A viruses were detected.
Data from the 21 countries or regions reporting to the EuroMOMO project indicated that all-cause mortality was at expected levels for this time of the year.
Data from the Influenzanet indicated that influenza activity in the community was low in all reporting countries based on this system.

Other news

There is an outgoing outbreak of respiratory illness linked to a novel coronavirus first identified in China. For more information see:

2019/20 season overview

For the Region as a whole, influenza activity commenced earlier than in recent previous years.
Influenza activity in the European Region, based on sentinel sampling, first exceeded a positivity rate of 10% in week 47/2019 and has remained over 10% for nine weeks. There has been an overall increasing trend in the weekly positivity rate for influenza virus detections among sentinel ILI surveillance patients, following a dip in week 52.
In sentinel sources, both influenza A subtypes, A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2), are co-circulating, 54% and 46%, respectively. Increased influenza subtype A(H1N1)pdm09 detections have been reported since week 50/2019. Of the influenza B viruses, the vast majority (98%) have been B/Victoria lineage.
Among hospitalized influenza virus-infected patients admitted to ICU wards since the beginning of the season, influenza type A viruses have been detected in the majority of cases (94%); of these 63% were A(H3N2) viruses. The same was reported for patients admitted to other wards, with 94% of cases being infected with type A viruses; of these 73% were A(H3N2) viruses.
Among SARI cases influenza type B viruses were detected most frequently (63%).
Circulating viruses remain susceptible to the neuraminidase inhibitors supporting early initiation of treatment or prophylactic use according to national guidelines.
The effectiveness of vaccines in the population will be evaluated by vaccine effectiveness studies when there is a sufficient amount of virus characterisation data. Member States should continue encouraging influenza vaccination.
ECDC and WHO Regional Office published a joint Regional Situation Assessment for the 2019–2020 influenza season up to week 49/2019, which focused on disease severity and impact on healthcare systems to assist forward planning in Member States.

**Gert van der Hoek** · January 31, 2020, 08:29 AM

Week 04/2020 (20-26 January 2020)

Influenza activity continued to increase, with 1 Member State reporting very high, 3 high and 12 medium intensity. Widespread influenza activity was reported by the majority of Member States and areas across the Region.
Of the individuals sampled who presented with ILI or ARI to sentinel primary healthcare sites, 47% tested positive for influenza viruses.
Both influenza virus types A and B were co-circulating with a higher proportion (69%) of type A viruses detected.
The distribution of viruses detected varied between Member States and areas and within sub-regions. Although the majority of reported influenza virus detections across the Region were type A, 2 Member States reported influenza type B dominance and 4 Member States and areas reported co-dominance of types A and B viruses.
In the majority of specimens from severe cases admitted to ICU and non-ICU hospital wards, influenza type A viruses were detected.
Pooled estimates of all-cause number of deaths from 21 countries or regions reporting to the EuroMOMO project indicated an increasing trend in mortality over recent weeks.
Data from the Influenzanet indicated that influenza activity in the community was high in 1 reporting country, medium in 3 reporting countries and low in 4 reporting countries.

Other news

There is an ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness, with a significant increase in geographic spread, linked to a novel coronavirus first identified in China. For more information see:

2019/20 season overview

For the Region as a whole, influenza activity commenced earlier than in recent previous years.
Influenza activity in the Region, based on sentinel sampling, first exceeded a positivity rate of 10% in week 47/2019 and has remained over 10% for 10 weeks. There has been an overall increasing trend in the weekly positivity rate for influenza virus detections among sentinel ILI surveillance patients, following a dip in week 52.
In sentinel sources, both influenza A virus subtypes, A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2), are co-circulating, 58% and 42%, respectively. Increased influenza virus subtype A(H1N1)pdm09 detections have been reported since week 50/2019. Of the influenza B viruses, the vast majority (98%) have been B/Victoria lineage.
Among hospitalized influenza virus-infected patients admitted to ICU wards since the beginning of the season, influenza type A viruses have been detected in the majority of cases (94%); of these 58% were A(H3N2) viruses. The same was reported for patients admitted to other wards, with 94% of cases being infected with type A viruses; of these 65% were A(H3N2) viruses.
Among SARI cases, influenza type B viruses were detected most frequently (57%).
Circulating viruses remain susceptible to the neuraminidase inhibitors supporting early initiation of treatment or prophylactic use according to national guidelines.
The effectiveness of vaccines in the population will be evaluated by vaccine effectiveness studies when there is are sufficient number of enrolled patients. Member States should continue encouraging influenza vaccination.
ECDC and WHO Regional Office published a joint Regional Situation Assessment for the 2019–2020 influenza season up to week 49/2019, which focused on disease severity and impact on healthcare systems to assist forward planning in Member States.

**Gert van der Hoek** · February 7, 2020, 09:04 AM

Week 05/2020 (27 January – 2 February 2020)

Influenza activity continued to increase, with a number of Member States reporting very high (n=4) and high (n=5) intensity. Widespread influenza activity was reported by the majority of Member States and areas across the Region.
The detection rate increased compared to the previous week. Of the individuals sampled who presented with ILI or ARI to sentinel primary healthcare sites, 54% tested positive for influenza viruses.
Both influenza virus types A and B were co-circulating in sentinel source specimens with a higher proportion (65%) of type A viruses detected. Of the type A detections, A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses were detected more often (64%) and of the influenza B viruses, the vast majority (99%) were B/Victoria lineage.
The distribution of viruses detected varied between Member States and areas and within sub-regions. Although the majority of reported influenza virus detections across the Region were type A, 4 Member States reported influenza type B dominance and 8 Member States and areas reported co-dominance of types A and B viruses.
In the majority of specimens from severe cases admitted to ICU and non-ICU hospital wards, influenza type A viruses were detected.
Pooled estimates of all-cause mortality from 23 countries or regions reporting to the EuroMOMO project indicated a small tendency of excess mortality over recent weeks from some countries.
Data from the Influenzanet indicated that influenza activity in the community was high in one reporting country, medium in 4 reporting countries and low in three reporting countries.

2019/20 season overview

For the Region as a whole, influenza activity commenced earlier than in recent years, and based on sentinel sampling first exceeded a positivity rate of 10% in week 47/2019. The positivity rate exceeded 50% in week 04/2020, one week later compared to the previous 2018–2019 influenza season.
In sentinel sources, both influenza A virus subtypes, A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2), are co-circulating, 60% and 40% respectively. Increased influenza virus subtype A(H1N1)pdm09 detections have been reported since week 52/2019. Of the influenza B viruses, the vast majority (99%) have been B/Victoria lineage.
Among hospitalized influenza virus-infected patients admitted to ICU wards since the beginning of the season, influenza type A viruses have been detected in the majority of cases (94%); of these 52% were A(H3N2) viruses. The same was reported for patients admitted to other wards, with 86% of cases being infected with type A viruses; of these 54% were A(H3N2) viruses.
Among SARI cases, influenza type A viruses were detected most frequently (52%) in week 05/2020, prior to this type B viruses had been predominant.
The majority of circulating viruses remain susceptible to neuraminidase inhibitors supporting early initiation of treatment or prophylactic use according to national guidelines.
The effectiveness of vaccines in the population will be evaluated by vaccine effectiveness studies when there is a sufficient number of enrolled patients. Member States should continue encouraging influenza vaccination.
ECDC and WHO Regional Office published a joint Regional Situation Assessment for the 2019–2020 influenza season up to week 49/2019, which focused on disease severity and impact on healthcare systems to assist forward planning in Member States.

**Gert van der Hoek** · February 14, 2020, 01:24 PM

Week 06/2020 (3–9 February 2020)

A number of Member States reported very high (n=3) and high (n=5) intensity. Widespread influenza activity was reported by the majority of Member States and areas across the Region.
Of the individuals sampled who presented with ILI or ARI to sentinel primary healthcare sites, 51% tested positive for influenza viruses, a decrease compared to the previous week (58%).
Both influenza virus types A and B were co-circulating in sentinel source specimens with a higher proportion (60%) of type A viruses detected. Of the type A detections, A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses were detected more often (57%) and of the influenza B viruses, the vast majority were B/Victoria lineage.
The distribution of viruses detected varied between Member States and areas and within sub-regions. Although the majority of reported influenza virus detections across the Region were type A, 5 Member States reported influenza type B dominance and 7 Member States and areas reported co-dominance of types A and B viruses.
In the majority (>80%) of specimens from severe cases admitted to ICU and non-ICU hospital wards, influenza type A viruses were detected.
Pooled estimates of all-cause mortality from 22 countries or regions reporting to the EuroMOMO project indicated small increases in excess mortality over recent weeks in some countries.
Data from the Influenzanet indicated that influenza activity in the community was medium in 4 and low in another 4 reporting countries.

2019/20 season overview

For the Region as a whole, influenza activity commenced earlier than in recent years and, based on sentinel sampling, first exceeded a positivity rate of 10% in week 47/2019.
The positivity rate crossed the 50% threshold in week 04/2020, one week later compared to the previous 2018–2019 influenza season, and has remained over 50% for the last three weeks.
In sentinel sources, both influenza A virus subtypes, A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2), are co-circulating, 60% and 40% respectively. Of the influenza B viruses, the vast majority (99%) has been B/Victoria lineage.
Different patterns of dominant influenza types and A subtypes were observed between the countries in the Region.
Among hospitalized influenza virus-infected patients admitted to ICU wards since the beginning of the season, influenza type A viruses have been detected in the majority of cases (93%) with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) viruses being distributed equally.
The same was reported for patients admitted to other wards with 91% of cases being infected with type A viruses and, of these, 51% were A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses.
Among SARI cases, influenza type A viruses were detected more frequently (55%) than type B viruses. Of the influenza type A infected cases for which subtyping was performed, 69% were infected by A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses.
The majority of circulating viruses were susceptible to neuraminidase inhibitors supporting early initiation of treatment or prophylactic use according to national guidelines.
Member States should continue encouraging influenza vaccination.
ECDC and WHO Regional Office published a joint Regional Situation Assessment for the 2019–2020 influenza season up to week 49/2019, which focused on disease severity and impact on healthcare systems to assist forward planning in Member States.

**Gert van der Hoek** · February 21, 2020, 09:51 AM

Week 07/2020 (10–16 February 2020)

The influenza season for the European Region as a whole appears to have peaked around week 05/2020.
1 Member State reported very high intensity and 7 reported high intensity influenza activity. Geographically, widespread influenza activity was reported by the majority of Member States and areas across the Region.
Of the individuals sampled who presented with influenza-like illness (ILI) or acute respiratory infection (ARI) to sentinel primary healthcare sites, 48% tested positive for influenza viruses, a decrease compared to the previous week (51%).
Both influenza virus types A and B were co-circulating in sentinel source specimens with a higher proportion (60%) of type A viruses detected. Of the type A detections, A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses were detected more often (58%) and of the influenza B viruses, the vast majority were B/Victoria lineage.
The distribution of viruses detected varied between Member States and areas and within sub-regions. Of 42 reports from across the Region: 23 reported dominance of type A viruses; 15 co-dominance of types A and B viruses; and 4 dominance of type B viruses.
Pooled estimates of all-cause mortality from 23 countries or regions reporting to the EuroMOMO project show normal expected levels of mortality.

2019/20 season overview

For the Region as a whole, influenza activity commenced earlier than in recent years and, based on sentinel sampling, first exceeded a positivity rate of 10% in week 47/2019.
The positivity rate crossed the 50% threshold in week 04 and peaked in week 05 at 58%. For the past two weeks the rate has been decreasing.
The majority of circulating viruses were susceptible to neuraminidase inhibitors supporting early initiation of treatment or prophylactic use according to national guidelines.
Member States should continue encouraging influenza vaccination.
ECDC and WHO Regional Office published a joint Regional Situation Assessment for the 2019–2020 influenza season up to week 49/2019, which focused on disease severity and impact on healthcare systems to assist forward planning in Member States.

**Gert van der Hoek** · March 1, 2020, 03:10 AM

Week 08/2020 (17–16 February 2020)

While no Member State reported very high intensity influenza activity for week 08/2020, 7 reported high intensity. Geographically widespread influenza activity was reported by the majority of Member States and areas across the Region.
Of the individuals sampled who presented with influenza-like illness (ILI) or acute respiratory infection (ARI) to sentinel primary healthcare sites, 48% tested positive for influenza viruses, consistent with the previous week.
Both influenza virus types A and B were co-circulating in sentinel source specimens with a higher proportion (61%) of type A viruses detected. Of the type A detections, A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses were detected most often (60%) and of the influenza B viruses, the vast majority were B/Victoria lineage.
The distribution of viruses detected varied between Member States and areas and within sub-regions. Of 36 reports from across the Region: 19 reported dominance of type A viruses; 9 co-dominance of types A and B viruses; and 8 dominance of type B viruses.
Pooled estimates of all-cause mortality from 24 countries or regions reporting to the EuroMOMO project show normal expected levels of mortality.

2019/20 season overview

For the Region as a whole, influenza activity commenced earlier than in recent years and, based on sentinel sampling, first exceeded a positivity rate of 10% in week 47/2019. The positivity rate crossed the 50% threshold in week 04, and the season peaked in week 05/2020 at 58%.
The majority of circulating viruses were susceptible to neuraminidase inhibitors supporting early initiation of treatment or prophylactic use according to national guidelines.
Member States should continue encouraging influenza vaccination.
ECDC and WHO Regional Office published a joint Regional Situation Assessment for the 2019–2020 influenza season up to week 49/2019, which focused on disease severity and impact on healthcare systems to assist forward planning in Member States.

**Gert van der Hoek** · March 6, 2020, 08:52 AM

Week 09/2020 (24 February – 1 March 2020)

Influenza activity remained elevated, with 6 Member States and areas reporting high and 14 medium influenza intensity. Geographically widespread influenza activity was reported by the majority of Member States and areas across the Region.
Of the individuals sampled who presented with influenza-like illness (ILI) or acute respiratory infection (ARI) to sentinel primary healthcare sites, 44% tested positive for influenza viruses, consistent with the previous week.
Both influenza virus types A and B were co-circulating in sentinel source specimens with a higher proportion (60%) of type A viruses being detected. Of the type A detections, A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses were the most common (52%). Of the influenza B viruses, the vast majority were B/Victoria lineage.
The distribution of viruses detected varied between Member States and areas and within sub-regions. Of 31 reports from across the Region: 18 reported dominance of type A viruses; 7 co-dominance of types A and B viruses; and 6 dominance of type B viruses.
Pooled estimates of all-cause mortality from 21 countries or regions reporting to the EuroMOMO project showed normal expected levels of mortality.

2019/20 season overview

For the Region as a whole, influenza activity commenced earlier than in recent years and, based on sentinel sampling, first exceeded a positivity rate of 10% in week 47/2019.
The influenza season for the Region as a whole peaked in week 05/2020 reaching a positivity rate of 55%.
The majority of circulating viruses were susceptible to neuraminidase inhibitors supporting early treatment or prophylactic use according to national guidelines.
Interim estimates of 2019–2020 seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness from 4 studies in the northern hemisphere are available. Vaccination remains the best possible method for prevention of influenza and/or reducing the risk of serious complications. Member States should continue to promote vaccination while influenza viruses continue to circulate in the community.
WHO has published recommendations for the composition of influenza vaccines to be used in the 2020–2021 northern hemisphere season. Based on these recommendations the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B/Victoria-lineage virus components should be updated for the 2020–2021 influenza vaccine.
ECDC and WHO Regional Office for Europe published a joint Regional Situation Assessment for the 2019–2020 influenza season up to week 49/2019, which focused on disease severity and impact on healthcare systems to assist forward planning in Member States.

**Gert van der Hoek** · March 13, 2020, 03:44 PM

Week 10/2020 (2 – 8 March 2020)

For the Region overall, influenza activity remained elevated but continued to decline for the fourth consecutive week. High influenza intensity was reported by 2 Member States and areas, and 12 reported medium influenza intensity. Widespread influenza activity was reported by the majority of Member States and areas across the Region.
Of the individuals sampled who presented with influenza-like illness (ILI) or acute respiratory infection (ARI) to sentinel primary healthcare sites, 38% tested positive for influenza viruses, a slight decrease compared to the previous week (43%).
Both influenza virus types A and B were co-circulating in sentinel source specimens with a higher proportion (59%) of type A viruses being detected. Of the type A detections, A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses were the most common (56%). Of the influenza B viruses, the vast majority were B/Victoria lineage.
The distribution of viruses detected varied between Member States and areas and within sub-regions. Of 26 reports from across the Region: 14 reported dominance of type A viruses; 7 co-dominance of types A and B viruses; and 5 dominance of type B viruses.
Pooled estimates of all-cause mortality from 24 countries or regions reporting to the EuroMOMO project showed normal expected levels of mortality.

2019/20 season overview

For the Region as a whole, influenza activity commenced earlier than in recent years and, based on sentinel sampling, first exceeded a positivity rate of 10% in week 47/2019.
The influenza season for the Region as a whole peaked in week 05/2020 reaching a maximum positivity rate of 55%. The peak phase with positivity levels above 50% lasted for just two weeks, 05/2020 and 06/2020. In the previous influenza season, rates of influenza positivity exceeded 50% for six weeks.
The majority of circulating viruses were susceptible to neuraminidase inhibitors supporting early treatment or prophylactic use according to national guidelines.
Interim estimates of 2019–2020 seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness in the northern hemisphere are available. Vaccination remains the best possible method for prevention of influenza and/or reducing the risk of serious complications. Member States should continue to promote vaccination while influenza viruses continue to circulate in the community.
WHO has published recommendations for the composition of influenza vaccines to be used in the 2020–2021 northern hemisphere season. Based on these recommendations the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B/Victoria-lineage virus components should be updated for the 2020–2021 influenza vaccine.
ECDC and WHO Regional Office for Europe published a joint Regional Situation Assessment for the 2019–2020 influenza season up to week 49/2019, which focused on disease severity and impact on healthcare systems to assist forward planning in Member States.

**Gert van der Hoek** · March 22, 2020, 03:51 PM

Week 11/2020 (9 – 15 March 2020)

For the Region overall, influenza activity remained elevated but continued to decline for the fifth consecutive week. High influenza intensity was reported by 1 Member State, and 8 Member States and areas reported medium influenza intensity. Widespread influenza activity was reported by the majority of Member States and areas across the Region.
Influenza-like illness (ILI) / acute respiratory infection (ARI) notification rates showed an increase compared to the previous week in some Member States, which might reflect an increase in community transmission of SARS-CoV-2, as influenza detections continued to decrease.
Of the individuals sampled who presented with ILI or ARI to sentinel primary healthcare sites, 31% tested positive for influenza viruses, a decrease compared to the previous week (38%).
Both influenza virus types A and B were co-circulating in sentinel source specimens with a higher proportion (58%) of type A viruses being detected. Of the type A detections, A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses were the most common (52%). Of the influenza B viruses, the vast majority were B/Victoria lineage.
The distribution of viruses detected varied between Member States and areas and within sub-regions. Of 25 reports from across the Region: 15 reported dominance of type A viruses; 6 co-dominance of types A and B viruses; and 4 dominance of type B viruses.
Pooled estimates of all-cause mortality from 24 countries or regions reporting to the EuroMOMO project showed normal expected levels of mortality.

2019/20 season overview

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the Region may affect healthcare seeking behaviour and testing capacities in Member States which would impact both influenza epidemiologic and virologic data and seasonal patterns.
For the Region as a whole, influenza activity commenced earlier than in recent years and, based on sentinel sampling, first exceeded a positivity rate of 10% in week 47/2019.
The influenza season for the Region as a whole peaked in week 05/2020 reaching a maximum positivity rate of 55%. The peak phase with positivity levels above 50% lasted for just two weeks, 05/2020 and 06/2020. In the previous influenza season, rates of influenza positivity exceeded 50% for six weeks.
The majority of circulating viruses were susceptible to neuraminidase inhibitors supporting early treatment or prophylactic use according to national guidelines.
Interim estimates of 2019–2020 seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness in the northern hemisphere are available. Vaccination remains the best possible method for prevention of influenza and/or reducing the risk of serious complications. Member States should continue to promote vaccination while influenza viruses continue to circulate in the community.
WHO has published recommendations for the composition of influenza vaccines to be used in the 2020–2021 northern hemisphere season. Based on these recommendations the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B/Victoria-lineage virus components should be updated for the 2020–2021 influenza vaccine.
ECDC and WHO Regional Office for Europe published a joint Regional Situation Assessment for the 2019–2020 influenza season up to week 49/2019, which focused on disease severity and impact on healthcare systems to assist forward planning in Member States.

Announcement

Europe - Seasonal influenza 2019 - 2020 - ECDC-WHO

Europe - Seasonal influenza 2019 - 2020 - ECDC-WHO

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