Australia Influenza Surveillance 2016

[Ronan Kelly]

• Updated information marked with a *
  
  *New South Wales
  
  Week 32: 8 August to 14 August 2016
  Summary:
   Seasonal influenza activity continues to rise steadily and is currently following a similar
  course to last year (2015).
   Influenza A(H3N2) is the dominant circulating influenza strain.
  In this reporting week:
   Hospital Surveillance – the rate of influenza like illness (ILI) presentations to selected
  emergency departments increased and remains well above the seasonal threshold.
   Laboratory surveillance – the total number of influenza isolations continues to rise along with
  the proportion of respiratory samples positive for influenza (29.2%).
   Community surveillance – influenza notifications were increased across most local health
  districts (LHD). General Practice and community-based surveillance systems suggest
  increased ILI activity. Influenza activity continues to impact heavily on the aged care sector
  with 20 new respiratory outbreaks reported this week in residential aged care facilities.
   Deaths - The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages have recorded 22 deaths in
  association with influenza in 2016. The rate of deaths classified as “pneumonia and influenza”
  remained low.
   National and international influenza surveillance – the most recent national reports suggest
  influenza activity at the national level continued to increase indicating that the season is
  underway. Current influenza strains are well matched to the 2016 influenza vaccines. Influenza
  activity is increasing in some other regions in the Southern Hemisphere.
  
  
  For more information: NSW Health - Infectious Diseases
  
  *Queensland
  Statewide Weekly Influenza
  Surveillance Report
  Reporting Period: 1 January to 14 August 2016
  
  
  
  For more information: Queensland Health
  
  South Australia
  
  31 July to 6 August 2016
  
  One hundred and twenty-nine cases of influenza were reported this week with 119 cases being
  characterised as influenza A and ten as influenza B. Cases comprised of 62 males and 67 females,
  with a median age of 30 years. Thirty (23%) notifications were for children aged less than 10 years
  and 22 (17%) notifications for persons aged 65 years or greater. There have been 1,357 cases of
  influenza notified year-to-date, compared with 5,517 cases reported for the same period last year
  
  The influenza chart shows recent influenza activity in South Australia.
  
  For more information: SA Health
  
  Tasmania
  
  Issue 2 | 15 July 2016
  
   Influenza activity remained at the low ‘baseline’ level despite a small increase in testing.
   The 2016 winter flu season has not commenced.
   Surveillance of influenza-like illness by General Practice and FluTracking continued to indicate minimal
  activity during this period.
   Laboratory tests of nose and throat swabs indicated that other respiratory pathogens were the main
  cause of influenza-like illness during May and June.
  
  Since the report of 9 May a further 57 notifications of influenza were received, with 49 relating to influenza
  detected in specimens collected during May and June. The total number of influenza notifications since the
  start of 2016 is 122. Notifications of influenza during May and June were similar to March and April (see Table
  1). Weekly influenza counts at the end of June remained low and indicated that the winter influenza season had
  not commenced (see Figure 1). For comparison, more influenza had been reported by the end of June 2015 (154
  notifications) with the 2015 influenza season in Tasmania having commenced during June 2015.
  
  During May and June Influenza A virus was the most common cause of influenza in Tasmania (see Table 2). To
  date, additional laboratory typing has been performed on 20 samples of influenza A virus. Fifteen samples were
  the A(H1N1)pdm09 strain while the remaining five were A(H3N2). The 2016 annual influenza vaccine covers
  both of these strains. See Annual Influenza Vaccine (page 6).
  
  
  For more information: DHHS Tasmania
  
  *Victoria
  
  Report No. 14: Week ending 7 August 2016
  
  Overview: The 2016 influenza season so far
  Measures of influenza‐like illness (ILI) from VicSPIN indicate the season is currently at average levels. The ILI rate
  from the National Home Doctor Service remained above baseline levels in the last week.
  The number of notified laboratory confirmed influenza cases for the year to 7 August is 52% lower than the same
  time in 2015. Of the notified influenza cases, 83% have been type A. VicSPIN detected six positive influenza
  A(H3N2), four positive influenza A(H1N1)pdm2009, one influenza C and one influenza(untyped) during the week.
  Overall the data from the influenza and ILI surveillance systems indicate the influenza season is at average levels
  in Victoria.
  
  For more information: Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory
  
  Western Australia
  
  WEEK ENDING 31ST JULY 2016
  
  KEY POINTS
  INFLUENZA AND INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESSES (ILI)
  Summary: Direct indicators of influenza activity continue to increase, but levels of influenza-like illness are
  relatively stable and remain low for this time of year, perhaps reflecting relatively low levels of non-influenza
  respiratory virus activity.
   ILI presentations to sentinel general practitioners (GPs) remain relatively low for this time of year,
  whilst ILI presentations to sentinel emergency departments (EDs) are now in the mid-range of values
  seen at this time of year.
   The percent of tests positive for influenza virus and notifications of laboratory-confirmed influenza
  continue to increase and their levels are now similar to those experienced at the corresponding time in
  the past two years.
   Hospital admissions with notified influenza have been relatively stable in recent weeks and levels are
  around or below the average for this time of year.
   Influenza A/H3 (60% of detections) is now the dominant circulating virus, along with influenza B (33%),
  with a continuing decline in the proportion of influenza A/H1 (7%) cases identified.
   Non-influenza respiratory virus activity remains well below levels for the corresponding period in 2015.
  
  For more information: WA Dept.of Health
  
  *Nationally
  
  For the period to Jan 1- Aug 20th, 2016.
  
  
  
  For national data: National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System
  
  *Australian Sentinel Practices Research Network (ASPREN)
  
  No. 14, 2016
  4th July-17th July, 2016
  
  SYNDROMIC SURVEILLANCE
  REPORTING
  Reports were received from 303 GPs from 8
  states and territories during the reporting
  period. During weeks 27 and 28 a total of
  18,577 and 21,035 consultations were made
  respectively.
  
  
  INFLUENZA-LIKE-ILLNESS (ILI)
  Nationally, ILI notifications increased over the period with 129
  and 155 notifications in weeks 27 and 28 respectively. ILI
  rates reported in this period were slightly higher with 8 and 9
  cases weighted / 7 cases unweighted per 1000 consultations
  in weeks 27 and 28 respectively, compared to 7 and 8 cases
  weighted / 6 unweighted per 1000 consultations in weeks 25
  and 26 respectively. For the same reporting period in 2015,
  ILI rates were slightly higher at 10 cases weighted / 9
  unweighted per 1000 consultations (see Figure 5). On a state
  -by-state basis, it is important to note the increased ILI rate in
  Remote NSW (see Figure 2).
  
  For more information: ASPREN
  
  *Flu Tracking
  
  Flutracking Weekly Interim Report
  Week ending 14 August 2016
  
  Moderate levels of influenza-like illness activity
  
  This survey was sent on Monday, 15 August 2016 at 01:13 AM and by 09:00 AM, Thursday 18 August we had received 23204 responses (23220 last week) from 14010 people responding for themselves and 9194 household members across Australia.
  
  Across Australia, fever and cough was reported by 2.3% of vaccinated participants and 3.2% of unvaccinated participants. Fever, cough and absence from normal duties was reported by 1.7% of vaccinated participants and 2.3% of unvaccinated participants.
  
  For participants this week, 14012/23204 (60.4 %) have received the seasonal vaccine so far. Of the 4547 participants who identified as working face-to-face with patients, 3647 (80.2%) have received the vaccine.
  
  For more information: Flu Tracking
  
  
  *Australian influenza report 2016 - Current report:
  AUSTRALIAN INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE REPORT No. 5, 2016, REPORTING PERIOD: 23 July to 5 August 2016
  
  KEY MESSAGES
  • In the fortnight ending 5 August 2016, influenza activity at the national level continued to increase
  indicating that the season is underway.
  • Influenza-like illness (ILI) is increasing nationally. Influenza was the most common cause of ILI presentations
  to sentinel general practitioners.
  • Influenza A(H3N2) was the dominant circulating influenza virus nationally in recent weeks, noting
  jurisdictional variation. Notifications of influenza B increased slightly in recent weeks, but remained at low
  levels overall.
  • Notification rates this year to date have been highest in adults aged 85 years or older, with a secondary
  peak in the very young, aged less than 5 years. This is consistent with influenza A(H3N2) being typically
  more prevalent in older age groups.
  • Hospitalisations with confirmed influenza have increased in recent weeks in line with the seasonal increase
  in community level activity.
  • To date, the seasonal influenza vaccines appear to be a good match for circulating virus strains.
  
  
  
  For more information: Department of Health

[Ronan Kelly]

Updated information marked with a *

*New South Wales

Week 33: 15 August to 21 August 2016
Summary:
 Seasonal influenza activity continues to rise steadily and is currently following a similar
course to last year (2015). The season is likely to be at or near its peak activity.
 Influenza A(H3N2) remains the dominant circulating influenza strain.
In this reporting week:
 Hospital Surveillance ? the rate of influenza like illness (ILI) presentations to selected
emergency departments increased and remains well above the seasonal threshold.
 Laboratory surveillance ? the total number of influenza isolations continues to rise along with
the proportion of respiratory samples positive for influenza (30.1%).
 Community surveillance ? influenza notifications were increased across most local health
districts (LHD). General Practice and community-based surveillance systems suggest
increased ILI activity. Influenza activity continues to impact heavily on the aged care sector
with 22 new respiratory outbreaks reported this week in residential aged care facilities.
 National and international influenza surveillance ? the most recent national reports suggest
influenza activity at the national level continued to increase indicating that the season is
underway. Current influenza strains are well matched to the 2016 influenza vaccines. Influenza
activity is increasing in some other regions in the Southern Hemisphere.


For more information: NSW Health - Infectious Diseases

*Queensland
Statewide Weekly Influenza
Surveillance Report
Reporting Period: 1 January to 21 August 2016



For more information: Queensland Health

*South Australia

7 August to 13 August 2016

The influenza season has started. Influenza vaccine is still available and we advise people (≥6 months of age) to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

One hundred and sixty-eight cases of influenza were reported this week with 152 cases being characterised as influenza A and 16 as influenza B. Cases comprised of 81 males and 87 females, with a median age of 38 years. Thirty-four (20%) notifications were for children aged less than 10 years and 34 (20%) notifications for persons aged 65 years or greater. There have been 1,527 cases of influenza notified year-to-date, compared with 6,601 cases reported for the same period last year

The influenza chart shows recent influenza activity in South Australia.

For more information: SA Health

*Tasmania

Issue 3 | 18 August 2016

The modest increase in influenza activity at the end of July is similar to pre-season activity observed in
recent years.
 The 2016 winter flu season appeared to be beginning toward the end of July.
 Influenza A virus is the most common cause of laboratory confirmed Influenza. The most common
circulating strains included A(H1N1)pdm09, followed by A(H3N2). The 2016 annual vaccine covers these
strains.
 There was a small increase in laboratory tests of nose and throat swabs during July. Respiratory Syncytial
Virus (RSV) was the most commonly detected respiratory pathogen followed by Rhinovirus and Influenza A
virus.
 Surveillance of influenza-like illness by General Practice and FluTracking continued to indicate low activity
during this period.

There were a further 37 notifications of influenza during July, resulting in a total of 159 influenza notifications
since the start of 2016. The July total of 37 notifications is the largest monthly total since the start of 2016 (see
Table 1). Weekly notification counts increased during July, with 18 of the 37 influenza notifications in the final
week (see Figure 1).

During July 2016, Influenza A virus was the most common cause of influenza in Tasmania: isolated in 34 out of 37
notifications. Since the start of 2016, additional laboratory typing has been performed on 25 samples of influenza
A virus. Sixteen samples were the A(H1N1)pdm09 strain while the remaining nine were A(H3N2). The 2016
annual influenza vaccine covers both of these strains. See Annual Influenza Vaccine (page 6).


For more information: DHHS Tasmania

*Victoria

Report No. 16: Week ending 21 August 2016

Overview: The 2016 influenza season so far
Measures of influenza‐like illness (ILI) from VicSPIN indicate the season is currently at average levels. The ILI rate
from the National Home Doctor Service remained above baseline levels in the last week.
The number of notified laboratory confirmed influenza cases for the year to 21 August is 55% lower than the
same time in 2015. Of the notified influenza cases, 89% have been type A. VicSPIN detected eight positive
influenza A(H3N2), one influenza B and three influenza(untyped) during the week.
Overall the data from the influenza and ILI surveillance systems indicate the influenza season is slightly above
baseline levels in Victoria.

For more information: Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory

Western Australia

WEEK ENDING 21ST AUGUST 2016

KEY POINTS
INFLUENZA AND INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESSES (ILI)
Summary: ILI activity has stabilised this week, but influenza notifications continue to increase, with influenza
A/H3N2 the dominant circulating strain.
 ILI presentations to sentinel general practitioners (GPs) and emergency departments (EDs) stabilised
this week but remain relatively high.
 The percent of tests positive for influenza virus and notifications of laboratory-confirmed influenza
remain higher than levels experienced at the corresponding time in the past three years.
 Hospital admissions with notified influenza (primarily due to A/H3N2 virus) appear to be still increasing
and are above the recent average for this time of year.
 Influenza A/H3 (69% of detections) is still the dominant circulating virus, along with influenza B (25%).
 Several influenza (A/H3N2) outbreaks have been reported in residential aged care facilities in the past
few weeks.
 Non-influenza respiratory virus activity remains well below levels for the corresponding period in 2015

For more information: WA Dept.of Health

*Nationally

For the period to Jan 1- Aug 27th, 2016.



For national data: National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System

Australian Sentinel Practices Research Network (ASPREN)

No. 14, 2016
4th July-17th July, 2016

SYNDROMIC SURVEILLANCE
REPORTING
Reports were received from 303 GPs from 8
states and territories during the reporting
period. During weeks 27 and 28 a total of
18,577 and 21,035 consultations were made
respectively.


INFLUENZA-LIKE-ILLNESS (ILI)
Nationally, ILI notifications increased over the period with 129
and 155 notifications in weeks 27 and 28 respectively. ILI
rates reported in this period were slightly higher with 8 and 9
cases weighted / 7 cases unweighted per 1000 consultations
in weeks 27 and 28 respectively, compared to 7 and 8 cases
weighted / 6 unweighted per 1000 consultations in weeks 25
and 26 respectively. For the same reporting period in 2015,
ILI rates were slightly higher at 10 cases weighted / 9
unweighted per 1000 consultations (see Figure 5). On a state
-by-state basis, it is important to note the increased ILI rate in
Remote NSW (see Figure 2).

For more information: ASPREN

*Flu Tracking

Flutracking Weekly Interim Report
Week ending 21 August 2016

Moderate levels of influenza-like illness activity

This survey was sent on Monday, 22 August 2016 at 01:13 AM and by 09:00 AM, Thursday 25 August we had received 23075 responses (23206 last week) from 13930 people responding for themselves and 9145 household members across Australia.

Across Australia, fever and cough was reported by 2.3% of vaccinated participants and 3.1% of unvaccinated participants. Fever, cough and absence from normal duties was reported by 1.8% of vaccinated participants and 2.3% of unvaccinated participants.

For participants this week, 13990/23075 (60.6 %) have received the seasonal vaccine so far. Of the 4518 participants who identified as working face-to-face with patients, 3631 (80.4%) have received the vaccine.

For more information: Flu Tracking


*Australian influenza report 2016 - Current report:
AUSTRALIAN INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE REPORT No. 5, 2016, REPORTING PERIOD: 23 July to 5 August 2016

KEY MESSAGES
? In the fortnight ending 5 August 2016, influenza activity at the national level continued to increase
indicating that the season is underway.
? Influenza-like illness (ILI) is increasing nationally. Influenza was the most common cause of ILI presentations
to sentinel general practitioners.
? Influenza A(H3N2) was the dominant circulating influenza virus nationally in recent weeks, noting
jurisdictional variation. Notifications of influenza B increased slightly in recent weeks, but remained at low
levels overall.
? Notification rates this year to date have been highest in adults aged 85 years or older, with a secondary
peak in the very young, aged less than 5 years. This is consistent with influenza A(H3N2) being typically
more prevalent in older age groups.
? Hospitalisations with confirmed influenza have increased in recent weeks in line with the seasonal increase
in community level activity.
? To date, the seasonal influenza vaccines appear to be a good match for circulating virus strains.
For more information: Department of Health

[Ronan Kelly]

Updated information marked with a *

*New South Wales

Week 34: 22 August to 28 August 2016
Summary:
 Seasonal influenza activity rose only slightly this week and is currently following a
similar course to last year (2015). The season is likely to be at or near its peak activity.
 Influenza A(H3N2) remains the dominant circulating influenza strain.
In this reporting week:
 Hospital Surveillance ? the rate of influenza like illness (ILI) presentations to selected
emergency departments increased and remains well above the seasonal threshold.
 Laboratory surveillance ? the total number of influenza isolations rose slightly this week with
the proportion of respiratory samples positive for influenza 30.9%.
 Community surveillance ? influenza notifications were increased across most local health
districts (LHD). General Practice and community-based surveillance systems suggest
increased ILI activity. Influenza activity continues to impact heavily on the aged care sector
with 21 new respiratory outbreaks reported this week in residential aged care facilities.
 National and international influenza surveillance ? the most recent national reports suggest
influenza activity at the national level continued to increase, with most regions of Australia
reporting widespread and increasing activity. Current influenza strains are well matched to the
2016 influenza vaccines.


For more information: NSW Health - Infectious Diseases

*Queensland
Statewide Weekly Influenza
Surveillance Report
Reporting Period: 1 January to 28 August 2016


For more information: Queensland Health

*South Australia

14 August to 20 August 2016

The influenza season has started. Influenza vaccine is still available and we advise people (≥6 months of age) to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Two hundred and forty-three cases of influenza were reported this week with 231 cases being
characterised as influenza A and 12 as influenza B. Cases comprised of 113 males and 130 females,
with a median age of 34 years. Forty-five (19%) notifications were for children aged less than 10
years and 44 (18%) notifications for persons aged 65 years or greater. There have been 1,770 cases
of influenza notified year-to-date, compared with 7,890 cases reported for the same period last year.

The influenza chart shows recent influenza activity in South Australia.

For more information: SA Health

Tasmania

Issue 3 | 18 August 2016

The modest increase in influenza activity at the end of July is similar to pre-season activity observed in
recent years.
 The 2016 winter flu season appeared to be beginning toward the end of July.
 Influenza A virus is the most common cause of laboratory confirmed Influenza. The most common
circulating strains included A(H1N1)pdm09, followed by A(H3N2). The 2016 annual vaccine covers these
strains.
 There was a small increase in laboratory tests of nose and throat swabs during July. Respiratory Syncytial
Virus (RSV) was the most commonly detected respiratory pathogen followed by Rhinovirus and Influenza A
virus.
 Surveillance of influenza-like illness by General Practice and FluTracking continued to indicate low activity
during this period.

There were a further 37 notifications of influenza during July, resulting in a total of 159 influenza notifications
since the start of 2016. The July total of 37 notifications is the largest monthly total since the start of 2016 (see
Table 1). Weekly notification counts increased during July, with 18 of the 37 influenza notifications in the final
week (see Figure 1).

During July 2016, Influenza A virus was the most common cause of influenza in Tasmania: isolated in 34 out of 37
notifications. Since the start of 2016, additional laboratory typing has been performed on 25 samples of influenza
A virus. Sixteen samples were the A(H1N1)pdm09 strain while the remaining nine were A(H3N2). The 2016
annual influenza vaccine covers both of these strains. See Annual Influenza Vaccine (page 6).


For more information: DHHS Tasmania

*Victoria

Report No. 17: Week ending 28 August 2016

Overview: The 2016 influenza season so far Measures of influenza-like illness (ILI) from VicSPIN and the National Home Doctor
Service indicate the season is currently at average levels. The number of notified laboratory confirmed influenza cases for the
year to 28 August is 53% lower than the same time in 2015. Of the notified influenza cases, 90% have been type A.
Sixty percent of VicSPIN swabs were positive for influenza, most of which were influenza A(H3N2).
Overall the data from the influenza and ILI surveillance systems indicate that activity has increased in recent weeks and Victoria
is experiencing an average influenza season so far in 2016.

For more information: Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory

*Western Australia

WEEK ENDING 28TH AUGUST 2016
KEY POINTS
INFLUENZA AND INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESSES (ILI)
Summary: Indicators of ILI and influenza activity suggest the influenza season may have reached its peak.
Influenza A/H3N2 virus remains the dominant circulating strain.
 ILI presentations to sentinel general practitioners (GPs) and emergency departments (EDs) appear to
have plateaued over the past fortnight, but remain relatively high.
 The percent of tests positive for influenza virus and notifications of laboratory-confirmed influenza
decreased this week, but levels remain in the higher range of values observed during this time period
in recent years.
 Hospital admissions with notified influenza remain above the average level experienced in recent
years.
 Influenza A/H3N2 (66% of detections) remains the dominant circulating virus, along with influenza B
(30%).
 Several influenza (A/H3N2) outbreaks have been reported in residential aged care facilities in the past
few weeks.
 Non-influenza respiratory virus activity remains well below levels for the corresponding period in 2015.

For more information: WA Dept.of Health

*Nationally

For the period to Jan 1- Sep 3rd, 2016.


For national data: National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System

*Australian Sentinel Practices Research Network (ASPREN)

No. 15, 2016
18th July-31st July, 2016

SYNDROMIC SURVEILLANCE
REPORTING
Reports were received from 289 GPs from 8
states and territories during the reporting
period. During weeks 29 and 30 a total of
19,906 and 21,013 consultations were made
respectively.

INFLUENZA-LIKE-ILLNESS (ILI)
Nationally, ILI notifications increased over the period with 169
and 188 notifications in weeks 29 and 30 respectively. ILI
rates reported in this period were higher with 11 and 10
cases weighted / 8 and 9 cases unweighted per 1000
consultations in weeks 29 and 30 respectively, compared to 8
and 9 cases weighted / 7 unweighted per 1000 consultations
in weeks 27 and 28 respectively. For the same reporting
period in 2015, ILI rates were similar at 10 and 11 cases
weighted / 10 and 11 unweighted per 1000 consultations (see
Figure 5). On a state-by-state basis, it is important to note the
increased ILI rate in Urban ACT (see Figure 2).

For more information: ASPREN

*Flu Tracking

Flutracking Weekly Interim Report
Week ending 28 August 2016

Moderate levels of influenza-like illness activity

This survey was sent on Monday, 29 August 2016 at 01:13 AM and by 09:00 AM, Thursday 01 September we had received 23026 responses (23073 last week) from 13891 people responding for themselves and 9135 household members across Australia.

Across Australia, fever and cough was reported by 2.5% of vaccinated participants and 3.1% of unvaccinated participants. Fever, cough and absence from normal duties was reported by 1.7% of vaccinated participants and 2.2% of unvaccinated participants.

For participants this week, 13976/23026 (60.7 %) have received the seasonal vaccine so far. Of the 4513 participants who identified as working face-to-face with patients, 3639 (80.6%) have received the vaccine.

For more information: Flu Tracking


*Australian influenza report 2016 - Current report:
Australian Influenza Surveillance Report No 06 - 06 August to 19 August 2016
Summary
In the fortnight ending 19 August 2016, influenza activity continued to increase at the national level, with most regions of Australia reporting widespread and increasing activity.
Influenza-like illness (ILI) also continued to increase nationally. More than half of all patients presenting to sentinel general practitioners with ILI and tested were positive for influenza this fortnight.
Influenza A(H3N2) continued to be the dominant circulating influenza virus nationally in recent weeks, noting jurisdictional variation. Notifications of influenza B increased slightly in recent weeks, but remained at low levels overall.
Notification rates this year to date have been highest in adults aged 85 years or older, with a secondary peak in the very young, aged less than 5 years. This is consistent with influenza A(H3N2) being typically more prevalent in older age groups.
Clinical severity for the season to date, as measured through the proportion of patients admitted directly to ICU and deaths attributed to pneumonia or influenza, is low to moderate.
To date, the seasonal influenza vaccines appear to be a good match for circulating virus strains.



For more information: Department of Health

[Ronan Kelly]

Updated information marked with a *

*New South Wales

Week 35: 29 August to 4 September 2016
Summary:
 Seasonal influenza activity remains high but is at or just past its peak for 2016.
 Influenza A(H3N2) remains the dominant circulating influenza strain.
In this reporting week:
 Hospital Surveillance ? influenza like illness (ILI) presentations to selected emergency
departments decreased but remains at high levels. The index of increase indicates that activity
peaked on 28 August 2016.
 Laboratory surveillance ? the total number of influenza isolations rose slightly this week with
the proportion of respiratory samples positive for influenza at 31.7%.
 Community surveillance ? influenza notifications continued to be high across most local health
districts (LHD). General Practice and community-based surveillance systems suggests
decreasing ILI activity. Influenza activity continues to impact heavily on the aged care sector
with 30 new respiratory outbreaks reported this week in residential aged care facilities.
 Deaths - The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages have recorded 46 deaths in
association with influenza in 2016. The rate of deaths classified as ?pneumonia and influenza?
remained low.
 National and international influenza surveillance ? the most recent national reports suggest
influenza activity at the national level continued to increase, with most regions of Australia
reporting widespread and increasing activity. Current influenza strains are well matched to the
2016 influenza vaccines.


For more information: NSW Health - Infectious Diseases

*Queensland
Statewide Weekly Influenza
Surveillance Report
Reporting Period: 1 January to 4 September 2016


For more information: Queensland Health

*South Australia

21 August to 27 August 2016

The influenza season has started. Influenza vaccine is still available and we advise people (≥6 months of age) to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Three hundred and seventy-one cases of influenza were reported this week with 348 cases being
characterised as influenza A and 23 as influenza B. Cases comprised of 162 males and 209 females,
with a median age of 36 years. Seventy-one (19%) notifications were for children aged less than 10
years and 65 (18%) notifications for persons aged 65 years or greater. There have been 2,172 cases
of influenza notified year-to-date, compared with 9,196 cases reported for the same period last year.

The influenza chart shows recent influenza activity in South Australia.

For more information: SA Health

Tasmania

Issue 3 | 18 August 2016

The modest increase in influenza activity at the end of July is similar to pre-season activity observed in
recent years.
 The 2016 winter flu season appeared to be beginning toward the end of July.
 Influenza A virus is the most common cause of laboratory confirmed Influenza. The most common
circulating strains included A(H1N1)pdm09, followed by A(H3N2). The 2016 annual vaccine covers these
strains.
 There was a small increase in laboratory tests of nose and throat swabs during July. Respiratory Syncytial
Virus (RSV) was the most commonly detected respiratory pathogen followed by Rhinovirus and Influenza A
virus.
 Surveillance of influenza-like illness by General Practice and FluTracking continued to indicate low activity
during this period.

There were a further 37 notifications of influenza during July, resulting in a total of 159 influenza notifications
since the start of 2016. The July total of 37 notifications is the largest monthly total since the start of 2016 (see
Table 1). Weekly notification counts increased during July, with 18 of the 37 influenza notifications in the final
week (see Figure 1).

During July 2016, Influenza A virus was the most common cause of influenza in Tasmania: isolated in 34 out of 37
notifications. Since the start of 2016, additional laboratory typing has been performed on 25 samples of influenza
A virus. Sixteen samples were the A(H1N1)pdm09 strain while the remaining nine were A(H3N2). The 2016
annual influenza vaccine covers both of these strains. See Annual Influenza Vaccine (page 6).


For more information: DHHS Tasmania

*Victoria

Report No. 18: Week ending 4 September 2016

Overview: The 2016 influenza season so far Measures of influenza-like illness (ILI) from VicSPIN and the National Home Doctor Service indicate the season is currently at average levels. The number of notified laboratory confirmed influenza cases for the year to 4 September is 50% lower than the same time in 2015. Of the notified influenza cases, 91% have been type A. Fifty two percent of VicSPIN swabs were positive for influenza, most of which were influenza A(H3N2). Overall the data from the influenza and ILI surveillance systems indicate that the season is at or near its peak in what has been an average influenza season so far in 2016.

For more information: Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory

Western Australia

WEEK ENDING 28TH AUGUST 2016
KEY POINTS
INFLUENZA AND INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESSES (ILI)
Summary: Indicators of ILI and influenza activity suggest the influenza season may have reached its peak.
Influenza A/H3N2 virus remains the dominant circulating strain.
 ILI presentations to sentinel general practitioners (GPs) and emergency departments (EDs) appear to
have plateaued over the past fortnight, but remain relatively high.
 The percent of tests positive for influenza virus and notifications of laboratory-confirmed influenza
decreased this week, but levels remain in the higher range of values observed during this time period
in recent years.
 Hospital admissions with notified influenza remain above the average level experienced in recent
years.
 Influenza A/H3N2 (66% of detections) remains the dominant circulating virus, along with influenza B
(30%).
 Several influenza (A/H3N2) outbreaks have been reported in residential aged care facilities in the past
few weeks.
 Non-influenza respiratory virus activity remains well below levels for the corresponding period in 2015.

For more information: WA Dept.of Health

*Nationally

For the period to Jan 1- Sep 10th, 2016.


For national data: National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System

Australian Sentinel Practices Research Network (ASPREN)

No. 15, 2016
18th July-31st July, 2016

SYNDROMIC SURVEILLANCE
REPORTING
Reports were received from 289 GPs from 8
states and territories during the reporting
period. During weeks 29 and 30 a total of
19,906 and 21,013 consultations were made
respectively.

INFLUENZA-LIKE-ILLNESS (ILI)
Nationally, ILI notifications increased over the period with 169
and 188 notifications in weeks 29 and 30 respectively. ILI
rates reported in this period were higher with 11 and 10
cases weighted / 8 and 9 cases unweighted per 1000
consultations in weeks 29 and 30 respectively, compared to 8
and 9 cases weighted / 7 unweighted per 1000 consultations
in weeks 27 and 28 respectively. For the same reporting
period in 2015, ILI rates were similar at 10 and 11 cases
weighted / 10 and 11 unweighted per 1000 consultations (see
Figure 5). On a state-by-state basis, it is important to note the
increased ILI rate in Urban ACT (see Figure 2).

For more information: ASPREN

*Flu Tracking

Flutracking Weekly Interim Report
Week ending 04 September 2016

Moderate levels of influenza-like illness activity

This survey was sent on Monday, 05 September 2016 at 01:13 AM and by 09:00 AM, Thursday 08 September we had received 22568 responses (23021 last week) from 13615 people responding for themselves and 8953 household members across Australia.

Across Australia, fever and cough was reported by 2.4% of vaccinated participants and 3.0% of unvaccinated participants. Fever, cough and absence from normal duties was reported by 1.8% of vaccinated participants and 2.2% of unvaccinated participants.

For participants this week, 13684/22568 (60.6 %) have received the seasonal vaccine so far. Of the 4426 participants who identified as working face-to-face with patients, 3563 (80.5%) have received the vaccine.

For more information: Flu Tracking


Australian influenza report 2016 - Current report:
Australian Influenza Surveillance Report No 06 - 06 August to 19 August 2016
Summary
In the fortnight ending 19 August 2016, influenza activity continued to increase at the national level, with most regions of Australia reporting widespread and increasing activity.
Influenza-like illness (ILI) also continued to increase nationally. More than half of all patients presenting to sentinel general practitioners with ILI and tested were positive for influenza this fortnight.
Influenza A(H3N2) continued to be the dominant circulating influenza virus nationally in recent weeks, noting jurisdictional variation. Notifications of influenza B increased slightly in recent weeks, but remained at low levels overall.
Notification rates this year to date have been highest in adults aged 85 years or older, with a secondary peak in the very young, aged less than 5 years. This is consistent with influenza A(H3N2) being typically more prevalent in older age groups.
Clinical severity for the season to date, as measured through the proportion of patients admitted directly to ICU and deaths attributed to pneumonia or influenza, is low to moderate.
To date, the seasonal influenza vaccines appear to be a good match for circulating virus strains.



For more information: Department of Health

[Ronan Kelly]

Updated information marked with a *

New South Wales

Week 35: 29 August to 4 September 2016
Summary:
 Seasonal influenza activity remains high but is at or just past its peak for 2016.
 Influenza A(H3N2) remains the dominant circulating influenza strain.
In this reporting week:
 Hospital Surveillance – influenza like illness (ILI) presentations to selected emergency
departments decreased but remains at high levels. The index of increase indicates that activity
peaked on 28 August 2016.
 Laboratory surveillance – the total number of influenza isolations rose slightly this week with
the proportion of respiratory samples positive for influenza at 31.7%.
 Community surveillance – influenza notifications continued to be high across most local health
districts (LHD). General Practice and community-based surveillance systems suggests
decreasing ILI activity. Influenza activity continues to impact heavily on the aged care sector
with 30 new respiratory outbreaks reported this week in residential aged care facilities.
 Deaths - The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages have recorded 46 deaths in
association with influenza in 2016. The rate of deaths classified as “pneumonia and influenza”
remained low.
 National and international influenza surveillance – the most recent national reports suggest
influenza activity at the national level continued to increase, with most regions of Australia
reporting widespread and increasing activity. Current influenza strains are well matched to the
2016 influenza vaccines.


For more information: NSW Health - Infectious Diseases

*Queensland
Statewide Weekly Influenza
Surveillance Report
Reporting Period: 1 January to 11 September 2016

For more information: Queensland Health

*South Australia

28 August to 3 September 2016

The influenza season has started. Influenza vaccine is still available and we advise people (≥6 months of age) to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Three hundred and fifty-nine cases of influenza were reported this week with 341 cases being
characterised as influenza A and 18 as influenza B. Cases comprised of 185 males and 174 females
with a median age of 35 years. Seventy-seven (21%) notifications were for children aged less than 10
years and 80 (22%) notifications for persons aged 65 years or greater. There have been 2,533 cases
of influenza notified year-to-date, compared with 10,560 cases reported for the same period last year

The influenza chart shows recent influenza activity in South Australia.

For more information: SA Health

Tasmania

Issue 3 | 18 August 2016

The modest increase in influenza activity at the end of July is similar to pre-season activity observed in
recent years.
 The 2016 winter flu season appeared to be beginning toward the end of July.
 Influenza A virus is the most common cause of laboratory confirmed Influenza. The most common
circulating strains included A(H1N1)pdm09, followed by A(H3N2). The 2016 annual vaccine covers these
strains.
 There was a small increase in laboratory tests of nose and throat swabs during July. Respiratory Syncytial
Virus (RSV) was the most commonly detected respiratory pathogen followed by Rhinovirus and Influenza A
virus.
 Surveillance of influenza-like illness by General Practice and FluTracking continued to indicate low activity
during this period.

There were a further 37 notifications of influenza during July, resulting in a total of 159 influenza notifications
since the start of 2016. The July total of 37 notifications is the largest monthly total since the start of 2016 (see
Table 1). Weekly notification counts increased during July, with 18 of the 37 influenza notifications in the final
week (see Figure 1).

During July 2016, Influenza A virus was the most common cause of influenza in Tasmania: isolated in 34 out of 37
notifications. Since the start of 2016, additional laboratory typing has been performed on 25 samples of influenza
A virus. Sixteen samples were the A(H1N1)pdm09 strain while the remaining nine were A(H3N2). The 2016
annual influenza vaccine covers both of these strains. See Annual Influenza Vaccine (page 6).


For more information: DHHS Tasmania

*Victoria

Report No. 19: Week ending 11 September 2016

Overview: The 2016 influenza season so far Measures of influenza-like illness (ILI) from VicSPIN and the National Home Doctor Service indicate the season is currently at average levels. The number of notified laboratory confirmed influenza cases for the year to 11 September is 50% lower than at the same time in 2015. Of the notified influenza cases, 92% have been type A. Forty-eight percent of VicSPIN swabs were positive for influenza, most of which were influenza A(H3N2). Although cases of notified laboratory confirmed influenza are still increasing, data from other influenza and ILI surveillance systems indicate that the 2016 season probably peaked over the last several weeks.

For more information: Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory

*Western Australia

WEEK ENDING 4TH SEPTEMBER 2016
KEY POINTS
INFLUENZA AND INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESSES (ILI)
Summary: Indicators of ILI and influenza activity suggest the influenza season may have reached its peak in
late August. Influenza A/H3N2 virus remains the dominant circulating strain.
 ILI presentations to sentinel general practitioners (GPs) and emergency departments (EDs) have
plateaued over the past few weeks, but remain relatively high.
 The percent of tests positive for influenza virus and notifications of laboratory-confirmed influenza
remained stable this week, however levels remain in the higher range of values observed during this
time period in recent years.
 Hospital admissions with notified influenza appear to have peaked in the third week of August but
remain above the average level experienced in recent years.
 Influenza A/H3N2 (79% of detections) remains the dominant circulating virus, comprising an
increasing proportion of cases, with declining influenza B (18%) activity.
 Several influenza (A/H3N2) outbreaks have been reported in residential aged care facilities in the past
week, and a total of 20 outbreaks in the past month.
 Non-influenza respiratory virus activity remains well below levels for the corresponding period in 2015

For more information: WA Dept.of Health

*Nationally

For the period to Jan 1- Sep 17th, 2016.


For national data: National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System

*Australian Sentinel Practices Research Network (ASPREN)

No. 16, 2016
1st August-14th August, 2016

SYNDROMIC SURVEILLANCE
REPORTING
Reports were received from 293 GPs from 8
states and territories during the reporting
period. During weeks 31 and 32 a total of
21,960 and 21,025 consultations were made
respectively.

INFLUENZA-LIKE-ILLNESS (ILI)
Nationally, ILI notifications increased over the period with 255
and 265 notifications in weeks 31 and 32 respectively. ILI
rates reported in this period were higher with 13 cases
weighted / 12 and 13 cases unweighted per 1000
consultations in weeks 31 and 32 respectively, compared to
11 and 10 cases weighted / 8 and 9 unweighted per 1000
consultations in weeks 29 and 30 respectively. For the same
reporting period in 2015, ILI rates were the higher at 14 and
15 cases weighted / 14 unweighted per 1000 consultations
(see Figure 5). On a state-by-state basis, it is important to
note the increased ILI rate in Urban ACT (see Figure 2).

For more information: ASPREN

*Flu Tracking

Flutracking Weekly Interim Report
Week ending 11 September 2016

Moderate levels of influenza-like illness activity

This survey was sent on Monday, 12 September 2016 at 01:13 AM and by 09:00 AM, Thursday 15 September we had received 22649 responses (22568 last week) from 13649 people responding for themselves and 9000 household members across Australia.

Across Australia, fever and cough was reported by 2.3% of vaccinated participants and 2.9% of unvaccinated participants. Fever, cough and absence from normal duties was reported by 1.6% of vaccinated participants and 2.2% of unvaccinated participants.

For participants this week, 13672/22649 (60.4 %) have received the seasonal vaccine so far. Of the 4430 participants who identified as working face-to-face with patients, 3541 (79.9%) have received the vaccine.

For more information: Flu Tracking


*Australian influenza report 2016 - Current report:
Australian Influenza Surveillance Report No 07 - 20 August to 02 September 2016
Summary
In the fortnight ending 2 September 2016, influenza activity continued to increase at the national level, with most regions of Australia reporting widespread and increasing activity.
National indicators of influenza-like illness (ILI) declined in the last fortnight, suggesting that the season may be close to peaking. The proportion of patients presenting to sentinel general practitioners with ILI and testing positive for influenza declined slightly this fortnight.
Influenza A(H3N2) continued to be the dominant circulating influenza virus nationally in recent weeks, noting jurisdictional variation.
Notification rates this year to date have been highest in adults aged 85 years or older, with a secondary peak in the very young, aged less than 5 years. This is consistent with influenza A(H3N2) being typically more prevalent in older age groups.
Clinical severity for the season to date, as measured through the proportion of patients admitted directly to ICU and deaths attributable to pneumonia or influenza, is low to moderate.
To date, the seasonal influenza vaccines appear to be a good match for circulating virus strains.




For more information: Department of Health

[Ronan Kelly]

Updated information marked with a *

*New South Wales

Week 37: 12 September to 18 September 2016
Summary:
 Seasonal influenza activity continues to fall overall but remains high in some areas,
particularly the Hunter New England Local Health District.
 Influenza A(H3N2) remains the dominant circulating influenza strain.
In this reporting week:
 Hospital Surveillance ? influenza like illness (ILI) presentations to selected emergency
departments decreased and were below peak levels. The index of increase indicates that
activity peaked on 28 August 2016.
 Laboratory surveillance ? the total number of influenza isolations decreased further this week
with the proportion of respiratory samples positive for influenza at 21.0%.
 Community surveillance ? influenza notifications continued to be high across most local health
districts (LHD), but decreasing. General Practice and community-based surveillance systems
showed decreasing ILI activity. Influenza activity continues to impact heavily on the aged care
sector with 22 new respiratory outbreaks reported this week in residential aged care facilities.
 National and international influenza surveillance ? the most recent national reports suggest
influenza activity at the national level continued to increase, with most regions of Australia
reporting widespread and increasing activity. Current influenza strains are well matched to the
2016 influenza vaccines.

For more information: NSW Health - Infectious Diseases

*Queensland
Statewide Weekly Influenza
Surveillance Report
Reporting Period: 1 January to 18 September 2016


For more information: Queensland Health

*South Australia

4 September to 10 September 2016

The influenza season has started. Influenza vaccine is still available and we advise people (≥6 months of age) to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Four hundred and twenty-six cases of influenza were reported this week with 405 cases being
characterised as influenza A and 21 as influenza B. Cases comprised of 200 males and 226 females,
with a median age of 35 years. Eighty-nine (21%) notifications were for children aged less than 10
years and 74 (17%) notifications for persons aged 65 years or greater. There have been 3,059 cases
of influenza notified year-to-date, compared with 11,800 cases reported for the same period last year

The influenza chart shows recent influenza activity in South Australia.

For more information: SA Health

Tasmania

Issue 3 | 18 August 2016

The modest increase in influenza activity at the end of July is similar to pre-season activity observed in
recent years.
 The 2016 winter flu season appeared to be beginning toward the end of July.
 Influenza A virus is the most common cause of laboratory confirmed Influenza. The most common
circulating strains included A(H1N1)pdm09, followed by A(H3N2). The 2016 annual vaccine covers these
strains.
 There was a small increase in laboratory tests of nose and throat swabs during July. Respiratory Syncytial
Virus (RSV) was the most commonly detected respiratory pathogen followed by Rhinovirus and Influenza A
virus.
 Surveillance of influenza-like illness by General Practice and FluTracking continued to indicate low activity
during this period.

There were a further 37 notifications of influenza during July, resulting in a total of 159 influenza notifications
since the start of 2016. The July total of 37 notifications is the largest monthly total since the start of 2016 (see
Table 1). Weekly notification counts increased during July, with 18 of the 37 influenza notifications in the final
week (see Figure 1).

During July 2016, Influenza A virus was the most common cause of influenza in Tasmania: isolated in 34 out of 37
notifications. Since the start of 2016, additional laboratory typing has been performed on 25 samples of influenza
A virus. Sixteen samples were the A(H1N1)pdm09 strain while the remaining nine were A(H3N2). The 2016
annual influenza vaccine covers both of these strains. See Annual Influenza Vaccine (page 6).


For more information: DHHS Tasmania

Victoria

Report No. 19: Week ending 11 September 2016

Overview: The 2016 influenza season so far Measures of influenza-like illness (ILI) from VicSPIN and the National Home Doctor Service indicate the season is currently at average levels. The number of notified laboratory confirmed influenza cases for the year to 11 September is 50% lower than at the same time in 2015. Of the notified influenza cases, 92% have been type A. Forty-eight percent of VicSPIN swabs were positive for influenza, most of which were influenza A(H3N2). Although cases of notified laboratory confirmed influenza are still increasing, data from other influenza and ILI surveillance systems indicate that the 2016 season probably peaked over the last several weeks.

For more information: Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory

*Western Australia
WEEK ENDING 18TH SEPTEMBER 2016
KEY POINTS
INFLUENZA AND INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESSES (ILI)
Summary: Indicators of ILI and influenza activity suggest the influenza season reached its peak in late
August, but activity remains high, with influenza A/H3N2 virus as the dominant circulating strain.
? ILI presentations to sentinel general practitioners (GPs) remain higher than expected, possibly due to
increased training and recruitment of sentinel GPs.
? ILI presentations to sentinel emergency departments (EDs) have plateaued over the past few weeks,
but remain relatively high.
? The percent of tests positive for influenza virus and notifications of laboratory-confirmed influenza
decreased this week but remain in the higher range of values observed during this time period in
recent years.
? Hospital admissions with notified influenza have plateaued over recent weeks but remain above the
average level experienced in recent years.
? Influenza A/H3N2 (74% of detections) remains the dominant circulating virus with continuing influenza
B (24%) activity.
? One new influenza outbreak was reported in a residential aged care facility in the past week, with over
30 outbreaks reported so far this season.
? Non-influenza respiratory virus activity remains below levels for the corresponding period in 2015.

For more information: WA Dept.of Health

*Nationally

For the period to Jan 1- Sep 25th, 2016.


For national data: National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System

Australian Sentinel Practices Research Network (ASPREN)

No. 16, 2016
1st August-14th August, 2016

SYNDROMIC SURVEILLANCE
REPORTING
Reports were received from 293 GPs from 8
states and territories during the reporting
period. During weeks 31 and 32 a total of
21,960 and 21,025 consultations were made
respectively.

INFLUENZA-LIKE-ILLNESS (ILI)
Nationally, ILI notifications increased over the period with 255
and 265 notifications in weeks 31 and 32 respectively. ILI
rates reported in this period were higher with 13 cases
weighted / 12 and 13 cases unweighted per 1000
consultations in weeks 31 and 32 respectively, compared to
11 and 10 cases weighted / 8 and 9 unweighted per 1000
consultations in weeks 29 and 30 respectively. For the same
reporting period in 2015, ILI rates were the higher at 14 and
15 cases weighted / 14 unweighted per 1000 consultations
(see Figure 5). On a state-by-state basis, it is important to
note the increased ILI rate in Urban ACT (see Figure 2).

For more information: ASPREN

*Flu Tracking

Flutracking Weekly Interim Report
Week ending 18 September 2016

Low levels of influenza-like illness activity

This survey was sent on Monday, 19 September 2016 at 01:13 AM and by 09:00 AM, Thursday 22 September we had received 22289 responses (22648 last week) from 13496 people responding for themselves and 8793 household members across Australia.

Across Australia, fever and cough was reported by 2.1% of vaccinated participants and 2.5% of unvaccinated participants. Fever, cough and absence from normal duties was reported by 1.6% of vaccinated participants and 1.8% of unvaccinated participants.

For participants this week, 13565/22289 (60.9 %) have received the seasonal vaccine so far. Of the 4364 participants who identified as working face-to-face with patients, 3523 (80.7%) have received the vaccine.

For more information: Flu Tracking


*Australian influenza report 2016 - Current report:
Australian Influenza Surveillance Report No 08 - 03 September to 16 September 2016
Summary
In the fortnight ending 16 September 2016, influenza activity declined nationally; however, widespread activity continued to be reported in a number of regions.
National indicators of influenza-like illness (ILI) declined in the last fortnight, further supporting that the season has peaked nationally. The proportion of patients presenting to sentinel general practitioners with ILI and testing positive for influenza declined this fortnight.
Influenza A(H3N2) continued to be the dominant circulating influenza virus nationally.
Notification rates this year to date have been highest in adults aged 75 years or older, with a secondary peak in the very young, aged less than 5 years. This is consistent with influenza A(H3N2) being typically more prevalent in older age groups.
Clinical severity for the season to date, as measured through the proportion of patients admitted directly to ICU and deaths attributable to pneumonia or influenza, is low to moderate.
To date, the seasonal influenza vaccines appear to be a good match for circulating virus strains.



For more information: Department of Health

[Ronan Kelly]

Updated information marked with a *

*New South Wales

Week 38: 19 September to 25 September 2016
Summary:
 Seasonal influenza activity continues to fall overall but remains higher than usual in
some areas, particularly the Western NSW Local Health District.
 Influenza A(H3N2) remains the dominant circulating influenza strain.
In this reporting week:
 Hospital Surveillance ? influenza like illness (ILI) presentations to selected emergency
departments decreased further and were below peak levels. The index of increase indicates
that activity peaked on 28 August 2016.
 Laboratory surveillance ? the total number of influenza isolations decreased further this week
with the proportion of respiratory samples positive for influenza at 17.4%.
 Community surveillance ? influenza notifications are decreasing in most local health districts
(LHD). General Practice and community-based surveillance systems showed decreasing ILI
activity. Fewer aged care facilities have been affected with 10 new respiratory outbreaks
reported this week.
 National and international influenza surveillance ? the most recent national report suggests
influenza activity declined nationally; however, widespread activity continued to be reported in
a number of regions. Current influenza strains are well matched to the 2016 influenza
vaccines.

For more information: NSW Health - Infectious Diseases

*Queensland
Statewide Weekly Influenza
Surveillance Report
Reporting Period: 1 January to 25 September 2016



For more information: Queensland Health

*South Australia

18 September to 24 September 2016

Four hundred and sixty-seven cases of influenza were reported this week with 432 cases being
characterised as influenza A and 35 as influenza B. Cases comprised of 218 males and 249 females,
with a median age of 32 years. Ninety-three (20%) notifications were for children aged less than 10
years and 103 (22%) notifications for persons aged 65 years or greater. There have been 4,094
cases of influenza notified year-to-date, compared with 13,759 cases reported for the same period
last year.

The influenza chart shows recent influenza activity in South Australia.

For more information: SA Health

Tasmania

Issue 3 | 18 August 2016

The modest increase in influenza activity at the end of July is similar to pre-season activity observed in
recent years.
 The 2016 winter flu season appeared to be beginning toward the end of July.
 Influenza A virus is the most common cause of laboratory confirmed Influenza. The most common
circulating strains included A(H1N1)pdm09, followed by A(H3N2). The 2016 annual vaccine covers these
strains.
 There was a small increase in laboratory tests of nose and throat swabs during July. Respiratory Syncytial
Virus (RSV) was the most commonly detected respiratory pathogen followed by Rhinovirus and Influenza A
virus.
 Surveillance of influenza-like illness by General Practice and FluTracking continued to indicate low activity
during this period.

There were a further 37 notifications of influenza during July, resulting in a total of 159 influenza notifications
since the start of 2016. The July total of 37 notifications is the largest monthly total since the start of 2016 (see
Table 1). Weekly notification counts increased during July, with 18 of the 37 influenza notifications in the final
week (see Figure 1).

During July 2016, Influenza A virus was the most common cause of influenza in Tasmania: isolated in 34 out of 37
notifications. Since the start of 2016, additional laboratory typing has been performed on 25 samples of influenza
A virus. Sixteen samples were the A(H1N1)pdm09 strain while the remaining nine were A(H3N2). The 2016
annual influenza vaccine covers both of these strains. See Annual Influenza Vaccine (page 6).


For more information: DHHS Tasmania

Victoria

Report No. 19: Week ending 11 September 2016

Overview: The 2016 influenza season so far Measures of influenza-like illness (ILI) from VicSPIN and the National Home Doctor Service indicate the season is currently at average levels. The number of notified laboratory confirmed influenza cases for the year to 11 September is 50% lower than at the same time in 2015. Of the notified influenza cases, 92% have been type A. Forty-eight percent of VicSPIN swabs were positive for influenza, most of which were influenza A(H3N2). Although cases of notified laboratory confirmed influenza are still increasing, data from other influenza and ILI surveillance systems indicate that the 2016 season probably peaked over the last several weeks.

For more information: Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory

Western Australia
WEEK ENDING 18TH SEPTEMBER 2016
KEY POINTS
INFLUENZA AND INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESSES (ILI)
Summary: Indicators of ILI and influenza activity suggest the influenza season reached its peak in late
August, but activity remains high, with influenza A/H3N2 virus as the dominant circulating strain.
• ILI presentations to sentinel general practitioners (GPs) remain higher than expected, possibly due to
increased training and recruitment of sentinel GPs.
• ILI presentations to sentinel emergency departments (EDs) have plateaued over the past few weeks,
but remain relatively high.
• The percent of tests positive for influenza virus and notifications of laboratory-confirmed influenza
decreased this week but remain in the higher range of values observed during this time period in
recent years.
• Hospital admissions with notified influenza have plateaued over recent weeks but remain above the
average level experienced in recent years.
• Influenza A/H3N2 (74% of detections) remains the dominant circulating virus with continuing influenza
B (24%) activity.
• One new influenza outbreak was reported in a residential aged care facility in the past week, with over
30 outbreaks reported so far this season.
• Non-influenza respiratory virus activity remains below levels for the corresponding period in 2015.

For more information: WA Dept.of Health

*Nationally

For the period to Jan 1- Oct 2nd, 2016.


For national data: National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System

Australian Sentinel Practices Research Network (ASPREN)

No. 16, 2016
1st August-14th August, 2016

SYNDROMIC SURVEILLANCE
REPORTING
Reports were received from 293 GPs from 8
states and territories during the reporting
period. During weeks 31 and 32 a total of
21,960 and 21,025 consultations were made
respectively.

INFLUENZA-LIKE-ILLNESS (ILI)
Nationally, ILI notifications increased over the period with 255
and 265 notifications in weeks 31 and 32 respectively. ILI
rates reported in this period were higher with 13 cases
weighted / 12 and 13 cases unweighted per 1000
consultations in weeks 31 and 32 respectively, compared to
11 and 10 cases weighted / 8 and 9 unweighted per 1000
consultations in weeks 29 and 30 respectively. For the same
reporting period in 2015, ILI rates were the higher at 14 and
15 cases weighted / 14 unweighted per 1000 consultations
(see Figure 5). On a state-by-state basis, it is important to
note the increased ILI rate in Urban ACT (see Figure 2).

For more information: ASPREN

*Flu Tracking

Flutracking Weekly Interim Report
Week ending 25 September 2016

Low levels of influenza-like illness activity

This survey was sent on Monday, 26 September 2016 at 01:13 AM and by 09:00 AM, Thursday 29 September we had received 21289 responses (22288 last week) from 13033 people responding for themselves and 8256 household members across Australia.

Across Australia, fever and cough was reported by 1.8% of vaccinated participants and 2.2% of unvaccinated participants. Fever, cough and absence from normal duties was reported by 1.3% of vaccinated participants and 1.6% of unvaccinated participants.

For participants this week, 13054/21289 (61.3 %) have received the seasonal vaccine so far. Of the 4210 participants who identified as working face-to-face with patients, 3395 (80.6%) have received the vaccine.

For more information: Flu Tracking


Australian influenza report 2016 - Current report:
Australian Influenza Surveillance Report No 08 - 03 September to 16 September 2016
Summary
In the fortnight ending 16 September 2016, influenza activity declined nationally; however, widespread activity continued to be reported in a number of regions.
National indicators of influenza-like illness (ILI) declined in the last fortnight, further supporting that the season has peaked nationally. The proportion of patients presenting to sentinel general practitioners with ILI and testing positive for influenza declined this fortnight.
Influenza A(H3N2) continued to be the dominant circulating influenza virus nationally.
Notification rates this year to date have been highest in adults aged 75 years or older, with a secondary peak in the very young, aged less than 5 years. This is consistent with influenza A(H3N2) being typically more prevalent in older age groups.
Clinical severity for the season to date, as measured through the proportion of patients admitted directly to ICU and deaths attributable to pneumonia or influenza, is low to moderate.
To date, the seasonal influenza vaccines appear to be a good match for circulating virus strains.

For more information: Department of Health