Announcement

**Ronan Kelly** · November 21, 2014, 06:20 AM

Re: Ireland Influenza Surveillance 2014-2015

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 46 2014 (10th ? 16th November 2014)

Summary
Al indicators of influenza activity in Ireland were at low levels during week 46 2014.  Influenza-like illness (ILI): The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 5.4 per 10,00
population in week 46 2014, remaining low, and stable compared to the updated rate of 5.0 per 10,00
reported during week 45 2014.
o ILI rates remain below the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 10,00 population)
o ILI rates remain at low levels in all age groups  GP Out of Hours: The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out-of-Hours services remained at low
levels during week 46 2014.  National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL):
o Four confirmed influenza positive specimens were reported from the NVRL from non-sentinel
sources during week 46 2014: 2 A(H1)pdm09 and 2 A(H3).
o No confirmed influenza positve specimens were reported from sentinel GP sources during week 46
2014.
o Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity increased in recent weeks, as expected at his time of year.
o Sporadic detections of adenovirus, parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV-3) and human metapneumovirus
(hMPV) have been reported for the season to date.  Hospitalisations: No confirmed influenza hospitalised cases were notified to HPSC during week 46 2014.  ICU admisions: No confirmed influenza cases admited to ICU were reported to HPSC this season.  Mortality: There were no reports of any influenza-associated deaths during week 46 2014.  Outbreaks: No acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during week 46 2014.  International: Influenza activity in the European Region remained low.
...

http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20142015Season/File,14940,en.pdf

**Ronan Kelly** · November 28, 2014, 07:04 AM

Re: Ireland Influenza Surveillance 2014-2015

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 47 2014 (17th ? 23rd November 2014)

http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20142015Season/File,14953,en.pdf

Summary
Al indicators of influenza activity in Ireland were at low levels during week 47 2014. Respiratory syncytial
virus (RSV) positivity increased significantly during wek 47 2014.  Influenza-like illness (ILI): The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 5.5 per 10,00
population in week 47 2014, remaining low, and stable compared to the updated rate of 5.2 per 10,00
reported during week 46 2014.
o ILI rates remain below the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 10,00 population)
o ILI rates remain at low levels in all age groups  GP Out of Hours: The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out-of-Hours services remained at low
levels during week 47 2014.  National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL):
o One confirmed influenza B positive specimen was reported from the NVRL from non-sentinel sources
during week 47 2014.
o No confirmed influenza positive specimens were reported from sentinel GP sources during week 47
2014.
o Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity increased significantly during wek 47 2014, as expected
at his time of year.
o Sporadic detections of adenovirus, parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV-3) and human metapneumovirus
(hMPV) have been reported for the season to date.  Hospitalisations: One confirmed influenza A(H3) hospitalised case was notified to HPSC during week 47
2014. This case was previously reported by the NVRL.  ICU admissions: No confirmed influenza cases admitted to ICU were reported to HPSC this season.  Mortality: There were no reports of any influenza-associated deaths during week 47 2014.  Outbreaks: No acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during wek 47 2014.  International: Influenza activity in the European Region remained low.
...

**Ronan Kelly** · December 5, 2014, 06:11 AM

Re: Ireland Influenza Surveillance 2014-2015

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 48 2014 (24th ? 30th November 2014)

http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20142015Season/File,14962,en.pdf

Summary
Al indicators of influenza activity in Ireland were at low levels during wek 48 2014. Respiratory syncytial
virus (RSV) positivity remained at high levels during week 48 2014, as expected at his time of year.  Influenza-like illness (ILI): The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 8.4 per 10,00
population in week 48 2014, remaining low, and stable compared to the updated rate of 5.7 per 10,00
reported during week 47 2014.
o ILI rates remain below the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 10,00 population)
o ILI rates remain at low levels in all age groups  GP Out of Hours: The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out-of-Hours services remained at low
levels during wek 48 2014.  National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL):
o One confirmed influenza A(H3) positive specimen was reported from sentinel GP sources during
week 48 2014. No confirmed influenza positive specimens were reported from non-sentinel sources
during week 48 2014.
o Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) posiitvity is at high levels and increased significantly during weeks 47
and 48 2014, as expected at his time of year.
o Sporadic detections of adenovirus, parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV-3) and human metapneumovirus
(hMPV) have been reported for the season to date.  Respiratory admissions: Respiratory admissions reported from a network of sentinel hospitals increased
significantly during week 47 2014.  Hospitalisations: No confirmed influenza hospitalised cases were notifed to HPSC during week 48 2014.  ICU admissions: No confirmed influenza cases admitted to ICU were reported to HPSC this season.  Mortality: There were no reports of any influenza-asociated deaths during week 48 2014.  Outbreaks: No acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during week 48 2014.  International: Overall influenza activity in the European Region remained low, with some countries
reporting increasing trends for ILI consultations.
...

**Ronan Kelly** · December 12, 2014, 05:37 AM

Re: Ireland Influenza Surveillance 2014-2015

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 49 2014 (1st ? 7th December 2014)

http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20142015Season/File,14984,en.pdf

Summary
Al indicators of influenza activity in Ireland were at low levels during week 49 2014. Respiratory syncytial
virus (RSV) positivity remained at high levels during week 49 2014, as expected at his time of year.  Influenza-like illness (ILI): The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 8.5 per 10,00
population in week 49 2014, remaining low, and stable compared to the updated rate of 8.4 per 10,00
reported during week 48 2014.
o ILI rates remain below the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 10,00 population)
o ILI rates remain at low levels in all age groups  GP Out of Hours: The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out-of-Hours services increased slightly
during week 49 2014, however remained at low levels.  National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL):
o No confirmed influenza positive specimens were reported from sentinel GP or non-sentinel sources
during week 49 2014.
o Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity has remained at high levels for weeks 47 - 49 2014, as
expected at his time of year.
o Sporadic detections of adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) have
been reported for the season to date.  Respiratory admisions: The latest complete data on respiratory admisions reported from a network of
sentinel hospitals were elevated, as expected at his time of year.  Hospitalisations: One confirmed influenza B hospitalised case was notified to HPSC during week 49 2014.  ICU admissions: No confirmed influenza cases admitted to ICU have been reported to HPSC this season to
date.  Mortality: There were no reports of any influenza-associated deaths during week 49 2014.  Outbreaks: No acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during week 49 2014.  International: Overall influenza activity in the European Region remained low, with some countries
reporting increasing trends for ILI consultations.
...

**Ronan Kelly** · December 18, 2014, 07:20 PM

Re: Ireland Influenza Surveillance 2014-2015

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 50 2014 (8th ? 14th December 2014)

http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20142015Season/File,14998,en.pdf

Summary
Some indicators of influenza activity in Ireland increased slightly during week 50 2014, however remained
at low levels. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity decreased during week 50 2014.  Influenza-like illness (ILI): The sentinel GP influenza-like ilness (ILI) consultation rate was 14.9 per 10,00
population in week 50 2014, increasing, however remaining low, compared to the updated rate of 8.7 per
10,00 reported during week 49 2014.
o ILI rates remain below the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 10,00 population)
o ILI rates remain at low levels in all age groups.  National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL):
o Influenza positivity increased slightly during week 50 2014, with 6 (2.5%) influenza positive
specimens reported from the NVRL: 5 influenza A(H3) and 1 influenza B.
o Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity decreased during week 50 2014, however remained at
high levels, as expected at his time of year.
o Sporadic detections of adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) have
been reported for the season to date.  Respiratory admissions: The latest complete data on respiratory admissions reported from a network of
sentinel hospitals were elevated, as expected at his time of year.  Hospitalisations: One confirmed influenza A hospitalised case was notified to HPSC during week 50 2014.  ICU admissions: No confirmed influenza cases admitted to ICU have been reported to HPSC this season to
date.  Mortality: There were no reports of any influenza-associated deaths during week 50 2014.  Outbreaks: No acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during wek 50 2014.  International: Overall influenza activity in the European Region remained low, with some countries
reporting sporadic influenza virus detections.
...

**Ronan Kelly** · December 26, 2014, 07:02 AM

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 51 2014 (15th ?- 21st December 2014)
http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Respiratory/I...e,15003,en.pdf

Summary
Influenza activity in Ireland remained at low levels during week 51 2014.
 Influenza-like illness (ILI): The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 11.8 per 100,000
population in week 51 2014, remaining low, and decreasing slightly compared to the updated rate of 14.6
per 10,00 reported during week 50 2014.
o ILI rates remain below the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 10,00 population)
o ILI rates remain at low levels in al age groups.
 GP Out of Hours: The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out-of-Hours services remained stable
and at low levels during week 51 2014.
 National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL):
o Influenza positivity increased slightly during week 51 2014, with 12 (4.8%) influenza positive
specimens reported from the NVRL: 1 influenza A(H3) and 1 influenza B.
o Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity decreased during week 51 2014, however remained at
high levels, as expected at his time of year.
o Sporadic detections of adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) have
been reported for the season to date.
 Respiratory admissions: The latest complete data on respiratory admissions reported from a network of
sentinel hospitals were elevated, as expected at his time of year.  Hospitalisations: No confirmed influenza hospitalised cases were notified to HPSC during week 51 2014.
 ICU admissions: No confirmed influenza cases admitted to ICU have ben reported to HPSC this season to
date.
 Mortality: There were no reports of any influenza-associated deaths during week 51 2014.
 Outbreaks: Two acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during wek 51 2014, one associated
with influenza A(H3) in HSE-NE and one associated with an unidentified pathogen in HSE-W. Both were in
residential care facilities/community hospitals/long stay units.
 International: Overall influenza activity in the European Region remained low, however increased during
week 50 2014. Influenza A(H3N2) viruses have predominated in Europe for the season to date. The
genetic characteristics of A(H3N2) viruses indicate that in Europe, as in the United States of America,
there may be significant differences between circulating A(H3N2) viruses and the virus used in the
influenza vaccine. Although this may affect he effectiveness of the A(H3N2) component of the vaccine,
the current influenza vaccine is likely to provide protection against infection by other currently circulating
influenza viruses. Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing infection by seasonal influenza
viruses, and it is stil important that people are vaccinated. The benefits of vaccination are considerable in
protecting the elderly and those in risk groups, even if vaccine effectivenes against one of the circulating
viruses may turn out to be low. The latest ECDC rapid risk assessment is available here.
...

**Ronan Kelly** · January 8, 2015, 05:08 PM

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland – Weekly Report
Influenza Week 1 2015 (29th December 2014 – 4th January 2015)
http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Respiratory/I...e,15007,en.pdf

Data for week 52 2014 & week 1 2015 should be interpreted with caution, as reporting levels are affected
during the Christmas/New Year Holiday period.

Summary
Most indicators of influenza activity in Ireland increased during week 1 2015, however remained at low
levels.
 Influenza-like illness (ILI): The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 15.2 per 100,000
population in week 1 2015, remaining low, however increasing compared to the rate of 7.6 per 100,000
reported during week 52 2014.
o ILI rates remain below the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population)
o ILI rates remain at low levels in all age groups, however increased slightly in the 15-64 year age group
and those aged 65 years or older.
 GP Out of Hours: The proportion of influenza–related calls to GP Out-of-Hours services increased
signiifcantly during week 1 2015.
 National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL):
o Influenza positivity remained stable during weeks 52 2014 and 1 2015, with 18 influenza positive
specimens reported from the NVRL: 17 influenza A(H3) and 1 influenza A (not subtyped).
o Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity decreased during week 1 2015, however remained at
elevated levels, as expected at his time of year.
o Positive detections of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) have increased in recent weeks.
 Respiratory admissions: The latest complete data on respiratory admissions reported from a network of
sentinel hospitals were elevated, as expected at his time of year.
 Hospitalisations: Three confirmed influenza hospitalised cases were notified to HPSC during week 52 2014
(wek ending 28th December 2014) and wek 1 2015 (wek ending January 4th 2015).  Critcal care admisions: One confirmed influenza A(H3) case was admited to critcal care and reported to
HPSC.
 Mortality: One confirmed influenza A(H3)-associated death was reported to HPSC.
 Outbreaks: No acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during week 52 2014 (week ending 28th
December 2014) and week 1 2015 (week ending January 4th 2015).
 International: Globally, influenza activity has continued to increase in the northern hemisphere, with
influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominating this season to date. While there have been dificulties in
characterising A(H3N2) viruses antigenicaly in Europe, as in the United States of America, the majority of
the A(H3N2) viruses characterised geneticaly have fallen into genetic subgroups containing viruses that
have drifted antigenically compared to the virus recommended for use in the 2014/2015 northern
hemisphere influenza vaccine. Although this may compromise the effectivenes of the A(H3N2)
component of the vaccine, it is still important that people are vaccinated, particularly those at risk of
developing severe influenza symptoms. Vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing
infection by seasonal influenza viruses. The latest ECDC rapid risk assessment is available here.
...
http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Respiratory/I...e,15007,en.pdf

**Ronan Kelly** · January 16, 2015, 06:26 PM

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 2 2015 (5th ? 11th January 2015)

Summary
Influenza-like illness GP consultation rates increased above baseline levels for the first time this season,
during week 2 2015. Influenza activity remained at low levels in Ireland during week 2 2015; however most
indicators of influenza activity are increasing.

 Influenza-like illness (ILI): The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 29.0 per 100,000
population in week 2 2015, remaining low, however increasing above baseline levels for the first time this
season.
o ILI rates are above the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population)
o ILI rates increased in the 5-14 and 15-64 year age groups during week 2 2015.

 GP Out of Hours: The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out-of-Hours services remained stable
during week 2 2015.

 National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL):
o Influenza positivity increased during week 2 2015, with 48 influenza positive specimens reported
from the NVRL: 45 influenza A(H3), 1 A(H1)pdm09 and 2 influenza A (not subtyped).
o Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity decreased further during week 2 2015, however remained
at elevated levels, as expected at his time of year.

 Respiratory admissions: The latest complete data on respiratory admissions reported from a network of
sentinel hospitals were elevated, as expected at his time of year.

 Hospitalisations: 15 confirmed influenza hospitalised cases were notified to HPSC during the week ending
January 10th 2015: 12 associated with influenza A(H3) and three associated with influenza A (not
subtyped).

 Critical care admissions: To date this season, two confirmed influenza cases were admitted to critical care
and reported to HPSC, one associated with influenza A(H3) and one associated with influenza
A(H1)pdm09.

 Mortality: Three influenza A(H3)-associated deaths have been reported to HPSC this season.

 Outbreaks: Eight acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during the week ending January 10th
2015: four associated with influenza A, two with RSV, and two with unknown pathogens.

 International: Globally, influenza activity continued to increase in the northern hemisphere with influenza
A(H3N2) viruses predominating so far this season.
...

http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20142015Season/File,15010,en.pdf

**Ronan Kelly** · January 23, 2015, 06:33 AM

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 3 2015 (12th- 18th January 2015)

http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20142015Season/File,15016,en.pdf

Summary
Influenza activity stabilised in Ireland during week 3 2015, remaining at relatively low levels.

 Influenza-like illness (ILI): The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 30.4 per 100,000
population in week 3 2015, remaining low, and stable compared to the updated rate of 30.1 per 100,000
population during week 2 2015.
o ILI rates remained above the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population)
o ILI rates increased in the 0-4 and 5-14 year age groups during week 3 2015.

 GP Out of Hours: The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out-of-Hours services decreased slightly
during week 3 2015.  National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL):
o Influenza positivity decreased slightly during week 3 2015, with 36 (13.2%) influenza positive
specimens reported from the NVRL: 28 A(H3), 1 A(H1)pdm09, 4 A (not subtyped) and 3 B.
o Influenza A(H3) has been the predominant circulating influenza virus this season.
o Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity decreased significantly during week 3 2015.

 Respiratory admissions: The latest complete data on respiratory admissions reported from a network of
sentinel hospitals were elevated, as expected at his time of year.

 Hospitalisations: 17 confirmed influenza hospitalised cases were notified to HPSC during the week ending
January 18th 2015: 10 associated with influenza A(H3), one associated with influenza A(H1)pdm09 and six
associated with influenza A (not subtyped).

 Critical care admissions: To date this season, two confirmed influenza cases were admitted to critical care
and reported to HPSC, one associated with influenza A(H3) and one associated with influenza
A(H1)pdm09.

 Mortality: Four influenza A(H3)-associated deaths have been reported to HPSC this season.

 Outbreaks: Two acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during the week ending January 18th 2015: one associated with influenza A(H3) and one with no pathogen identified.

 International: Globally, influenza activity continued to increase in the northern hemisphere with influenza
A(H3N2) viruses predominating this season. Antigenic characterisation of most recent A(H3N2) viruses this
season indicated differences from the A(H3N2) virus used in the influenza vaccines for the northern
hemisphere 2014/2015. Vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing infection by seasonal
influenza viruses.
...

**Ronan Kelly** · January 31, 2015, 07:44 AM

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report Influenza Week 4 2015 (19th - 25th January 2015)

http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20142015Season/File,15020,en.pdf

Summary

Influenza activity in Ireland is slowly increasing; with an increase in influenza positivity and confirmed influenza outbreaks reported during week 4 2015.
 Influenza-like illness (ILI): The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 31.3 per 100,000 population in week 4 2015, remaining low, and stable compared to the updated rate of 30.4 per 100,000 population during week 3 2015.
o ILI rates remained above the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population)
o ILI rates increased in the 0-4 and 5-14 year age groups during week 4 2015.

 GP Out of Hours: The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out-of-Hours services increased slightly during week 4 2015.

 National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL): o Influenza positivity increased during week 4 2015, with 81 (23.5%) influenza positive specimens reported from the NVRL: 73 A(H3), 1 A(H1)pdm09, 4 A (not subtyped) and 3 B. o Influenza A(H3) is the predominant circulating influenza virus this season. o Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity has decreased significantly in recent weeks.

 Respiratory admissions: The latest complete data on respiratory admissions reported from a network of sentinel hospitals were elevated.

 Hospitalisations: 18 confirmed influenza hospitalised cases were notified to HPSC during the week ending January 25th 2015: 15 associated with influenza A(H3), one with influenza A(H1)pdm09 and two with influenza A (not subtyped).

 Critical care admissions: To date this season, eight confirmed influenza cases were admitted to critical care units and reported to HPSC, two were associated with influenza A(H3), three with influenza A(H1)pdm09, two with influenza A (not subtyped) and one with influenza B.

 Mortality: Six influenza A-associated deaths have been reported to HPSC this season, five associated with influenza A(H3) and one with influenza A (not subtyped).

 Outbreaks: Eight acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during the week ending January 25th 2015: six associated with influenza A(H3), one with RSV and one with no pathogen identified. The majority of confirmed influenza outbreaks this season have been associated with influenza A(H3) in community hospitals/residential care facilities for the elderly.

 International: Globally, influenza activity was high in the northern hemisphere with influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominating this season. Antigenic characterisation of most recent A(H3N2) viruses this season indicated differences from the A(H3N2) virus used in the influenza vaccines for the northern hemisphere 2014/2015. As a consequence of the mismatch between vaccine and circulating strains, reduced vaccine effectiveness is expected. Vaccination of the elderly and other risk groups is still recommended, as the A(H3N2) component is expected to reduce the likelihood of severe outcomes due to cross-protection, and both the A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B components are expected to be effective. The latest ECDC risk assessment on seasonal influenza for the 2014/2015 season in Europe is available here.

**Ronan Kelly** · February 6, 2015, 05:02 PM

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 5 2015 (26th January ? 1st February 2015)

http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20142015Season/File,15022,en.pdf

Summary

Influenza activity in Ireland has continued at moderate levels; with an increase in hospitalised confirmed influenza cases and ongoing reports of confirmed influenza outbreaks during week 5 2015.
 Influenza-like illness (ILI): The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 32.9 per 100,000 population in week 5 2015, remaining low, and stable compared to the updated rate of 31.1 per 100,000 population during week 4 2015.
o ILI rates have remained above the Irish baseline threshold (21.0/100,000 population) for four consecutive weeks.
o ILI rates were highest in the 15-64 year age groups during week 5 2015.

 GP Out of Hours: The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out-of-Hours services increased during week 5 2015.

 National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL):
o Influenza positivity remained elevated during week 5 2015, with 81 (20.7%) influenza positive specimens reported from the NVRL: 61 A(H3), 3 A(H1)pdm09, 9 A (not subtyped) and 8 B.
o Influenza A(H3) is the predominant circulating influenza virus this season.
o Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity has decreased significantly in recent weeks.
o Positive detections of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) have increased in recent weeks.

 Respiratory admissions: The latest complete data on respiratory admissions reported from a network of sentinel hospitals were elevated.

 Hospitalisations: 44 confirmed influenza hospitalised cases were notified to HPSC during the week ending 1 st February 2015, a significant increase compared to 18 cases reported during the previous week.

 Critical care admissions: To date this season, 11 confirmed influenza cases were admitted to critical care units and reported to HPSC: three associated with A(H3), three with A(H1)pdm09, four with A (not subtyped) and one with B.

 Mortality: Six influenza-associated deaths have been reported to HPSC this season, five associated with influenza A(H3) and one with influenza A (not subtyped).

 Outbreaks: Five acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during the week ending 1 st February 2015: two associated with influenza A(H3), one with influenza A (not subtyped) and two with no pathogens identified. The majority of confirmed influenza outbreaks this season have been associated with influenza A(H3) in residential care facilities for the elderly.

 International: Globally, influenza activity was high in the northern hemisphere with influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominating this season. Antigenic characterisation of most recent A(H3N2) viruses this season indicated differences from the A(H3N2) virus used in the influenza vaccines for the northern hemisphere 2014/2015. Vaccination of the elderly and other risk groups is still recommended, as the A(H3N2) component is expected to reduce the likelihood of severe outcomes due to cross-protection, and both the A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B components are expected to be effective. The latest ECDC risk assessment on seasonal influenza for the 2014/2015 season in Europe is available here.
...

**Ronan Kelly** · February 13, 2015, 04:23 PM

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 6 2015 (2nd ? 8th February 2015)

http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20142015Season/File,15025,en.pdf

Summary Influenza activity in Ireland has continued at moderate levels; with an increase in confirmed influenza outbreaks during week 6 2015.

 Influenza-like illness (ILI): The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 36.8 per 100,000 population in week 6 2015, remaining low, and stable compared to the updated rate of 37.3 per 100,000 population during week 5 2015.
o ILI rates have remained above the Irish baseline threshold (21.0/100,000 population) for five consecutive weeks.
o ILI rates were highest in those aged 65 years or older during week 6 2015.  GP Out of Hours: The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out-of-Hours services increased during week 6 2015.

 National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL):
o Influenza positivity remained elevated during week 6 2015, with 100 (23.8%) influenza positive specimens reported from the NVRL: 86 A(H3), 3 A(H1)pdm09, 6 A (not subtyped) and 5 B.
o Influenza A(H3) is the predominant circulating influenza virus this season.
o Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity has decreased significantly in recent weeks. o Positive detections of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) have increased in recent weeks.

 Respiratory admissions: The latest complete data on respiratory admissions reported from a network of sentinel hospitals were elevated.

 Hospitalisations: 47 confirmed influenza hospitalised cases were notified to HPSC during the week ending 8 th February 2015.

 Critical care admissions: To date this season, 15 confirmed influenza cases were admitted to critical care units and reported to HPSC: five associated with A(H3), two with A(H1)pdm09, seven with A (not subtyped) and one with B.

 Mortality: Ten influenza-associated deaths have been reported to HPSC this season, with a median age of 83 years.

 Outbreaks: Seven acute respiratory outbreaks were reported to HPSC during the week ending 8 th February 2015: six associated with influenza A(H3) and one associated with human metapneumovirus. The majority of confirmed influenza outbreaks this season have been associated with influenza A(H3) in residential care facilities for the elderly.

 International: Globally, influenza activity remained high in the northern hemisphere with influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominating this season.
...

**Ronan Kelly** · February 20, 2015, 04:27 PM

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 7 2015 (9th ? 15th February 2015)

http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20142015Season/File,15030,en.pdf

Summary Influenza activity in Ireland increased in community and hospital settings during the week ending 15th February 2015 (week 7 2015).

 Influenza-like illness (ILI): The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 67.5 per 100,000 population in week 7 2015, a significant increase compared to the updated rate of 36.9 per 100,000 population during week 6 2015.
o ILI rates have remained above the Irish baseline threshold (21.0/100,000 population) for six consecutive weeks.
o ILI rates increased in 5-14 and 15-64 year olds and in those aged 65 years or older during week 7 2015.

 GP Out of Hours: The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out-of-Hours services remained elevated during week 7 2015.

 National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL): o Influenza positivity increased during week 7 2015, with 162 (31.0%) influenza positive specimens reported from the NVRL: 117 A(H3), 19 A(H1)pdm09, 12 A (not subtyped) and 14 B.
o Influenza A(H3) is the predominant circulating influenza virus this season.
o Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity has continued to decrease since the peak of activity during the last two weeks in December.

 Respiratory admissions: The latest complete data on respiratory admissions reported from a network of sentinel hospitals were elevated.

 Hospitalisations: 58 confirmed influenza hospitalised cases were notified to HPSC during the week ending 15th February 2015, an increase compared to the previous week.

 Critical care admissions: To date this season, 20 confirmed influenza cases were admitted to critical care units and reported to HPSC: seven associated with A(H3), two with A(H1)pdm09, 10 with A (not subtyped) and one with B.

 Mortality: Ten influenza-associated deaths have been reported to HPSC this season, with a median age of 83 years.

 Outbreaks: Sixteen acute respiratory general outbreaks were reported to HPSC during the week ending 15th February 2015: 12 of these outbreaks were associated with influenza, one outbreak was associated with human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and three acute respiratory outbreaks had no pathogens identified. The majority of confirmed influenza outbreaks this season have been associated with influenza A(H3) in residential care facilities for the elderly.

 International: Globally, influenza activity remained high in the northern hemisphere with influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominating this season.
...

**Ronan Kelly** · February 27, 2015, 03:08 PM

Influenza Surveillance in Ireland ? Weekly Report
Influenza Week 8 2015 (16th ? 22nd February 2015)

http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/20142015Season/File,15041,en.pdf

Summary
Influenza activity in Ireland remained elevated in community and hospital settings during the week ending 22nd February 2015 (week 8 2015).
 Influenza-like illness (ILI): The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 59.5 per 100,000 population in week 8 2015, a decrease compared to the updated rate of 70.4 per 100,000 population during week 7 2015.
o ILI rates have remained above the Irish baseline threshold (21.0/100,000 population) for seven consecutive weeks.
o ILI rates were highest in 5-14 and 15-64 year olds during week 8 2015.

 GP Out of Hours: The proportion of influenza?related calls to GP Out-of-Hours services remained elevated during week 8 2015.

 National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL):
o Influenza positivity remained high during week 8 2015, with 179 (35.7%) influenza positive specimens reported from the NVRL: 136 A(H3), 13 A(H1)pdm09, 12 A (not subtyped) and 18 B.
o Influenza A(H3) is the predominant circulating influenza virus this season.
o Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity has continued to decrease since the peak of activity during the last two weeks in December.

 Respiratory admissions: The latest complete data on respiratory admissions reported from a network of sentinel hospitals were elevated.

 Hospitalisations: 114 confirmed influenza hospitalised cases were notified to HPSC during the week ending 22nd February 2015, an increase compared to the previous week.

 Critical care admissions: To date this season, 27 confirmed influenza cases were admitted to critical care units and reported to HPSC: 11 associated with A(H3), two with A(H1)pdm09, 11 with A (not subtyped) and three with B.

 Mortality: Fifteen influenza-associated deaths have been reported to HPSC this season, with a median age of 81 years.

 Outbreaks: Twelve acute respiratory general outbreaks were reported to HPSC during the week ending 22nd February 2015: eight of these outbreaks were associated with influenza and four acute respiratory outbreaks had no pathogens identified. The majority of confirmed influenza outbreaks this season have been associated with influenza A(H3) in residential care facilities for the elderly.

 International: In Europe, influenza activity continued, in particular in western and central European countries. The overall proportion of influenza positive specimens and the total number of sentinel influenza virus detections decreased slightly which may be indicative of several countries having passed the peak of influenza activity.
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Announcement

Ireland Influenza Surveillance 2014-2015

Ireland Influenza Surveillance 2014-2015

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