Connecticut Influenza 2018-19; 69 fatalities; 1 pediatric

[Ronan Kelly]

Homepage: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Infectious...and-Statistics

2018-2019 Influenza Season, Update for Week 43*
(Week ending Saturday, 10/27/2018)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity is sporadic** for week 43.
 Influenza activity has been slowly increasing in Connecticut since the end of August.
 Influenza A viruses are the predominate type circulating although some influenza B viruses are also being
reported.
 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the percentage of people nationally
seeing their health care provider with influenza-like-illness (ILI) is low at 1.5%, below the national
threshold for elevated activity.
 November is a good time for you and your family to obtain your flu vaccine and take steps to prevent
influenza-related illness and hospitalization: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Immunizati...onal-Influenza

The Department of Public Health (DPH) uses multiple surveillance systems to monitor circulating flu viruses
throughout the year. All data are considered preliminary and updated with available information each week
starting in October and ending in May.
 The percentage of statewide emergency department visits attributed to the ?fever/flu syndrome? increased
from 5.1% in week 35 to 6.0% during week 43 (Figure 1). Please note that during 2017-2018, 18 additional
emergency department facilities began sending data to the EpiCenter, which replaced the Hospital
Emergency Department Syndromic Surveillance (HEDSS) System. The previous baseline of 5% should no
longer be used as a threshold for increased fever/flu activity. Caution should be used when comparing
EpiCenter surveillance data to historical HEDSS data.
 The percentage of outpatient visits with influenza-like illness (ILI) is currently 1.4%; above the level of 1%,
generally considered the minimum threshold for elevated influenza-associated visits in the outpatient setting
in Connecticut (Figure 2).
 To date, a total of 28 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted between August 26
and October 27, 2018 have been reported. Of these, 20 were associated with type A (subtype unspecified), 4
with influenza A (H3N2), and 4 with influenza B viruses. No new flu-associated deaths were reported this
week. Of the two flu-associated deaths reported this season, one was an individual greater than 65 years of
age and one in an individual 50-64 years of age (Figures 3 & 4).
 A total of 60 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season (August 26 ?
October 27, 2018): Hartford County (21), New Haven (21), Fairfield (9), Litchfield (4), Windham (3),
Middlesex (1), and Tolland (1). Of the positive reports 42 were influenza A (subtype unspecified), 4 were
influenza A (H3N2), and 14 were influenza B. To date, no influenza A (2009 H1N1) has been identified
this season (Figures 5 & 6).
...

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/flusummary_1819_wk43.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

Health officials: Second reported flu death wasn't caused by flu
Olivia Lank Posted 54 min ago 0

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - Last month, health officials reported a second flu death of the season in CT.

The person was between the ages of 50 to 64 years old.

The first person who died was over the age of 65-years-old.

On Nov. 8, health officials said after testing, it has been determined that the second death that was reported was not caused by the flu.
...

https://www.wfsb.com/news/health-officials-second-reported-flu-death-wasn-t-caused-by/article_8a9d15a2-d93e-11e8-8698-2b12058add39.html

[Ronan Kelly]

2018-2019 Influenza Season, Update for Week 44*
(Week ending Saturday, 11/03/2018)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity has increased from sporadic to local** for week 44 as a
result of increased activity in southwestern Connecticut.
 Influenza activity has been slowly increasing in Connecticut since the end of August.
 Influenza A viruses are the predominate type circulating although some influenza B viruses are also being
reported.
 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the percentage of people nationally
seeing their health care provider with influenza-like-illness (ILI) is low at 1.7%, below the national
threshold for elevated activity.
 November is a good time for you and your family to obtain your flu vaccine and take steps to prevent
influenza-related illness and hospitalization: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Immunizati...onal-Influenza
The Department of Public Health (DPH) uses multiple surveillance systems to monitor circulating flu viruses
throughout the year. All data are considered preliminary and updated with available information each week
starting in October and ending in May.
 The percentage of statewide emergency department visits attributed to the ?fever/flu syndrome? increased
from 5.1% in week 35 to 6.3% during week 44 (Figure 1). Caution should be used when comparing
EpiCenter surveillance data to historical HEDSS data.
 The percentage of outpatient visits with influenza-like illness (ILI) is currently 1.7%; above the level of 1%,
generally considered the minimum threshold for elevated influenza-associated visits in the outpatient setting
in Connecticut (Figure 2).
 To date, a total of 32 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted between August 26
and November 3, 2018 have been reported. Of these, 22 were associated with type A (subtype unspecified),
4 with influenza A (H3N2), and 6 with influenza B viruses. No new flu-associated deaths were reported this
week. One flu-associated death in an individual greater than 65 years of age has been identified to date this
season. A second individual, 50-64 years of age, was incorrectly reported as a flu-associated death (Figures
3 & 4).
 A total of 80 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season (August 26 ?
November 3, 2018): New Haven County (30), Hartford (25), Fairfield (14), Litchfield (4), Windham (3),
Middlesex (2), New London (1), and Tolland (1). Of the positive reports 55 were influenza A (subtype
unspecified), 4 were influenza A (H3N2), and 21 were influenza B. To date, no influenza A (2009 H1N1)
has been identified this season (Figures 5 & 6).
...

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/thisweeksfluupdate.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

2018-2019 Influenza Season Update for Week 45*
(The week ending on Saturday, November 10, 2018)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity is local** for week 45.
 Influenza activity has been slowly increasing in Connecticut since the end of August.
 Influenza A viruses are the predominate type circulating although some influenza B viruses are also being
reported.
 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the percentage of people nationally
seeing their health care provider with influenza-like-illness (ILI) is low at 1.8%, below the national
threshold for elevated activity.
 November is a good time for you and your family to obtain your flu vaccine and take steps to prevent
influenza-related illness and hospitalization: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Immunizati...onal-Influenza

 The percentage of statewide emergency department visits attributed to the ?fever/flu syndrome? decreased
slightly from 6.3% in week 44 to 6.2% during week 45 (Figure 1). Caution should be used when comparing
the 2018-2019 EpiCenter syndromic surveillance data to 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 Hospital Emergency
Department Syndromic Surveillance System data?
.
 The percentage of outpatient visits with influenza-like illness (ILI) is currently 1.5%, above the level of 1%,
generally considered the minimum threshold for elevated influenza-associated visits in the outpatient setting
in Connecticut (Figure 2).
 To date, a total of 39 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted between August 26
and November 10, 2018 have been reported. Of these, 29 were associated with type A (subtype
unspecified), 4 with influenza A (H3N2), and 6 with influenza B viruses. No new flu-associated deaths were
reported this week. One flu-associated death has been reported in an individual > 65 years of age during this
season. A second individual, 50-64 years of age, was incorrectly reported as a flu-associated death (Figures
3 & 4).
 A total of 100 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season (August 26 ?
November 10, 2018): New Haven County (32), Hartford (29), Fairfield (22), Litchfield (7), Windham (4)
Middlesex (2), New London (2) and Tolland (2). Of the positive reports, 73 were influenza A (subtype
unspecified), 4 were influenza A (H3N2), and 23 were influenza B. To date, no influenza A (2009 H1N1)
has been identified this season (Figures 5 & 6).
...

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/flusummary_1819_wk45.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

2017-2018 Influenza Season Update for Week 46*
(The week ending on Saturday, November 17, 2018)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity is local** for week 46.
 Influenza activity has been slowly increasing in Connecticut since the end of August.
 Influenza A viruses are the predominate type circulating although some influenza B viruses are also being
reported.
 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the percentage of people nationally
seeing their health care provider with influenza-like-illness (ILI) is low at 1.9%, below the national
threshold for elevated activity.
 November is a good time for you and your family to obtain your flu vaccine and take steps to prevent
influenza-related illness and hospitalization: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Immunizati...onal-Influenza
The Department of Public Health (DPH) uses multiple surveillance systems to monitor circulating flu viruses
throughout the year. All data are considered preliminary and updated with available information each week
starting in October and ending in May.
 The percentage of statewide emergency department visits attributed to the ?fever/flu syndrome? decreased
from 6.2% in week 45 to 5.8% during week 46 (Figure 1). Caution should be used when comparing the
2018-2019 EpiCenter syndromic surveillance data to 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 Hospital Emergency
Department Syndromic Surveillance System data?
.
 The percentage of outpatient visits with influenza-like illness (ILI) is currently 2.1%, above the level of 1%,
generally considered the minimum threshold for elevated influenza-associated visits in the outpatient setting
in Connecticut (Figure 2).
 To date, a total of 44 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted between August 26
and November 17, 2018 have been reported. Of these, 34 were associated with type A (subtype
unspecified), 4 with influenza A (H3N2), and 6 with influenza B viruses. No new flu-associated deaths were
reported this week. One flu-associated death has been reported in an individual > 65 years of age. A second
individual, 50-64 years of age, was incorrectly reported as a flu-associated death (Figures 3 & 4).
 A total of 124 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season (August 26 ?
November 17, 2018): Hartford County (36), New Haven (36), Fairfield (30), Litchfield (9), New London
(4), Windham (4) Middlesex (3), and Tolland (2). Of the positive reports, 92 were influenza A (subtype
unspecified), 4 were influenza A (H3N2), 1 influenza A (2009 H1N1), and 27 were influenza B (Figures 5
& 6).
...

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/thisweeksfluupdate.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

2017-2018 Influenza Season Update for Week 47*
(The week ending on Saturday, November 24, 2018)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity has increased to regional** for week 47.
 Influenza activity has begun to increase more rapidly in Connecticut during the past week.
 Influenza A viruses are the predominate type circulating although some influenza B viruses are also being
reported.
 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the percentage of people nationally
seeing their health care provider with influenza-like-illness (ILI) is low at 1.9%, below the national
threshold for elevated activity.
 November is a good time for you and your family to obtain your flu vaccine and take steps to prevent
influenza-related illness and hospitalization: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Immunizati...onal-Influenza
The Department of Public Health (DPH) uses multiple surveillance systems to monitor circulating flu viruses
throughout the year. All data are considered preliminary and updated with available information each week
starting in October and ending in May.
 The percentage of statewide emergency department visits attributed to the ?fever/flu syndrome? increased
from 5.8% during week 46 to 6.5% in week 47 (Figure 1). Caution should be used when comparing the
2018-2019 EpiCenter syndromic surveillance data to 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 Hospital Emergency
Department Syndromic Surveillance System data?
.
 The percentage of outpatient visits with influenza-like illness (ILI) is currently 2.3%, above the level of 1%,
generally considered the minimum threshold for elevated influenza-associated visits in the outpatient setting
in Connecticut (Figure 2).
 To date, a total of 55 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted between August 26
and November 24, 2018 have been reported. Of these, 42 were associated with type A (subtype
unspecified), 5 with influenza A (H3N2), 2 with influenza A (2009 H1N1), and 6 with influenza B viruses.
No new flu-associated deaths were reported this week. One flu-associated death has been reported in an
individual > 65 years of age. A second individual, 50-64 years of age, was incorrectly reported as a flu associated
death (Figures 3 & 4).
 A total of 151 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season (August 26 ?
November 24, 2018): Hartford County (44), Fairfield (41), New Haven (37), Litchfield (10), Middlesex (6),
Windham (6), New London (5), and Tolland (2). Of the positive reports, 112 were influenza A (subtype
unspecified), 5 were influenza A (H3N2), 4 influenza A (2009 H1N1), and 30 were influenza B (Figures 5
& 6).

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/thisweeksfluupdate.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

2017-2018 Influenza Season Update for Week 48*
(The week ending on Saturday, December 1, 2018)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at regional** for week 48.
 Influenza activity has continued to increase more rapidly in Connecticut during the past week.
 Influenza A viruses are the predominate type circulating although some influenza B viruses are also being
reported.
 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the percentage of people nationally
seeing their health care provider with influenza-like-illness (ILI) at 2.3% has now exceeded the national
baseline of 2.2% for elevated ILI activity.
 December is still a good time for you and your family to obtain your flu vaccine and take steps to prevent
influenza-related illness and hospitalization: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Immunizati...onal-Influenza

 The percentage of statewide emergency department visits attributed to the ?fever/flu syndrome? increased
from 6.5% during week 47 to 6.6% in week 48 (Figure 1). Caution should be used when comparing the
2018-2019 EpiCenter syndromic surveillance data to 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 Hospital Emergency
Department Syndromic Surveillance System data?
.
 The percentage of outpatient visits with influenza-like illness (ILI) is currently 3.1%, above the level of 1%,
generally considered the minimum threshold for elevated influenza-associated visits in the outpatient setting
in Connecticut (Figure 2).
 To date, a total of 65 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted between August 26
and December 1, 2018 have been reported. Of these, 49 were associated with type A (subtype unspecified),
5 with influenza A (H3N2), 3 with influenza A (2009 H1N1), and 8 with influenza B viruses. No new fluassociated
deaths were reported this week. One flu-associated death had previously been reported in an
individual > 65 years of age (Figures 3 & 4).
 A total of 186 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season (August 26 ?
December 1, 2018): Hartford County (55), Fairfield (50), New Haven (46), Litchfield (10), Windham (8),
New London (7), Middlesex (6), and Tolland (4). Of the positive reports, 137 were influenza A (subtype
unspecified), 7 were influenza A (H3N2), 8 influenza A (2009 H1N1), and 34 were influenza B (Figures 5
& 6).
...

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/flusummary_1819_wk48.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

2017-2018 Influenza Season Update for Week 49*
(The week ending on Saturday, December 8, 2018)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at regional** for week 49.
 Influenza activity has increase more rapidly in Connecticut during the past week.
 Influenza A viruses are the predominate type circulating although some influenza B viruses are also being
reported.
 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recent reports on the percentage of people
nationally seeing their health care provider with influenza-like-illness (ILI) remains at the national baseline
of 2.2% for elevated ILI activity.
 December is still a good time for you and your family to obtain your flu vaccine and take steps to prevent
influenza-related illness and hospitalization: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Immunizati...onal-Influenza

 The percentage of statewide emergency department visits attributed to the ?fever/flu syndrome? has
remained at 6.6% during weeks 48 and 49 (Figure 1). Caution should be used when comparing the 2018-
2019 EpiCenter syndromic surveillance data to 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 Hospital Emergency Department
Syndromic Surveillance System data?
.
 The percentage of outpatient visits with influenza-like illness (ILI) is currently 3.8%, above the level of 1%,
generally considered the minimum threshold for elevated influenza-associated visits in the outpatient setting
in Connecticut (Figure 2).
 A total of 82 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted between August 26 and
December 8, 2018 have been reported. Of these, 62 were associated with type A (subtype unspecified), 5
with influenza A (2009 H1N1), 5 with influenza A (H3N2), and 10 with influenza B viruses. A total of 1
flu-associated death has been reported in a person >65 years of age. No flu-associated deaths were reported
during week 49 (Figures 3 & 4).
 A total of 259 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season (August 26 ?
December 8, 2018): Fairfield County (76), Hartford (75), New Haven (55), New London (14), Litchfield
(13), Middlesex (9), Windham (9), and Tolland (8). Of the positive reports, 196 were influenza A (subtype
unspecified), 15 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 7 were influenza A (H3N2), and 41 were influenza B (Figures 5
& 6).
...

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/flusummary_1819_wk49.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

2018-2019 Influenza Season Update for Week 50*
(The week ending on Saturday, December 15, 2018)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at regional** for week 50.
 Influenza activity is continuing to increase more rapidly in Connecticut during the past week.
 Influenza A viruses are the predominate type circulating although some influenza B viruses are also being
reported.
 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recent reports on the percentage of people
nationally seeing their health care provider with influenza-like-illness (ILI) remains at the national baseline
of 2.2% for elevated ILI activity.
 December is still a good time for you and your family to obtain your flu vaccine and take steps to prevent
influenza-related illness and hospitalization: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Immunizati...onal-Influenza
The Department of Public Health (DPH) uses multiple surveillance systems to monitor circulating flu viruses
throughout the year. All data are considered preliminary and updated with available information each week
starting in October and ending in May.
 The percentage of statewide emergency department visits attributed to the ?fever/flu syndrome? has
increased from 6.6% in week 49 to 7.2% in week 50 (Figure 1). Caution should be used when comparing the
2018-2019 EpiCenter syndromic surveillance data to 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 Hospital Emergency
Department Syndromic Surveillance System data?
.
 The percentage of outpatient visits with influenza-like illness (ILI) is currently 3.6%, above the level of 1%,
generally considered the minimum threshold for elevated influenza-associated visits in the outpatient setting
in Connecticut (Figure 2).
 To date, a total of 102 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted between August
26 and December 15, 2018 have been reported. Of these, 82 were associated with type A (subtype
unspecified), 5 with influenza A (2009 H1N1), 5 with influenza A (H3N2), and 10 with influenza B viruses.
A total of 2 flu-associated deaths have been reported in persons >65 years of age. This includes a flu associated death that was reported for week 50 (Figures 3 & 4).
 A total of 347 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season (August 26 ?
December 15, 2018): Hartford County (106), Fairfield (88), New Haven (86), New London (20), Litchfield
(14), Tolland (12), Middlesex (11), and Windham (10). Of the positive reports, 274 were influenza A
(subtype unspecified), 21 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 9 were influenza A (H3N2), and 43 were influenza B
(Figures 5 & 6).
...

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/flusummary_1819_wk50.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

2018-2019 Influenza Season Update for Week 51*
(The week ending on Saturday, December 22, 2018)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity has increased to widespread** for week 51.
 Influenza activity has rapidly increased in Connecticut during the past week.
 Influenza A viruses are the predominate type circulating; very few influenza B viruses are currently being
reported.
 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recent report on the percentage of people
nationally seeing their health care provider with influenza-like-illness (ILI) has increased to 2.7%, above the
national baseline of 2.2% for elevated ILI activity.
 December is still a good time for you and your family to obtain your flu vaccine and take steps to prevent
influenza-related illness and hospitalization: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Immunizati...onal-Influenza
The Department of Public Health (DPH) uses multiple surveillance systems to monitor circulating flu viruses
throughout the year. All data are considered preliminary and updated with available information each week
starting in October and ending in May.
 The percentage of statewide emergency department visits attributed to the ?fever/flu syndrome? has
increased from 7.2% in week 50 to 8.5% in week 51 (Figure 1). Caution should be used when comparing the
2018-2019 EpiCenter syndromic surveillance data to 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 Hospital Emergency
Department Syndromic Surveillance System data?
.
 The percentage of outpatient visits with influenza-like illness (ILI) is currently 4.1%, above the level of 1%,
generally considered the minimum threshold for elevated influenza-associated visits in the outpatient setting
in Connecticut (Figure 2).
 To date, a total of 162 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted between August
26 and December 22, 2018 have been reported. Of these, 139 were associated with type A (subtype
unspecified), 6 with influenza A (2009 H1N1), 6 with influenza A (H3N2), and 11 with influenza B viruses
(Figures 3 & 4). A total of 3 flu-associated deaths have been reported including 2 deaths in persons >65
years of age and 1 death in a person aged 50-64 years of age reported during week 52 (the week ending on
Saturday, December 29, 2018; Figure 4).
 A total of 527 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season (August 26 ?
December 22, 2018): Hartford County (171), New Haven (144), Fairfield (107), Litchfield (29), New
London (29), Middlesex (19), Tolland (15), and Windham (13). Of the positive reports, 443 were influenza
A (subtype unspecified), 28 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 10 were influenza A (H3N2), and 46 were influenza
B (Figures 5 & 6).

...

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/flusummary_1819_wk51.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

2018-2019 Influenza Season Update for Week 52*
(The week ending on Saturday, December 29, 2018)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at widespread** for week 52.
 Influenza activity has rapidly increased in Connecticut during the past two weeks.
 Influenza A viruses are the predominate type circulating; very few flu B viruses are now being reported.
 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recent reports on the percentage of people
nationally seeing their health care provider with influenza-like-illness (ILI) has increased to 3.3%, above the
national baseline of 2.2% for elevated ILI activity.
 There is still time for you and your family to obtain your flu vaccine and take steps to prevent influenzarelated illness and hospitalization: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Immunizati...onal-Influenza
The Department of Public Health (DPH) uses multiple surveillance systems to monitor circulating flu viruses
throughout the year. Data are updated with available information each week starting in October and ending in
May. Consider current week data preliminary due to delays in reporting and confirmation.
 The percentage of statewide emergency department visits attributed to the ?fever/flu syndrome? has
increased from 8.5% in week 51 to 10.8% in week 52 (Figure 1). Caution should be used when comparing
the 2018-2019 EpiCenter syndromic surveillance data to 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 Hospital Emergency
Department Syndromic Surveillance System data?
.
 The percentage of outpatient visits with influenza-like illness (ILI) is currently 4.6%, above the level of 1%,
generally considered the minimum threshold for elevated influenza-associated visits in the outpatient setting
in Connecticut (Figure 2).
 To date, a total of 268 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted between August
26 and December 29, 2018 have been reported. Of these, 233 were associated with type A (subtype
unspecified), 17 with influenza A (2009 H1N1), 6 with influenza A (H3N2), and 12 with influenza B
viruses (Figures 3 & 4).
 One new flu-associated death is being reported in this update resulting in a total of 4 deaths reported through
week 52 in Connecticut. Three flu-associated deaths were associated with influenza A (unspecified) and one
with influenza B. Of the 4 total reported flu-associated deaths, 3 occurred in persons >65 years of age and 1
in a person 50-64 years of age.
 A total of 787 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season (August 26 ?
December 29, 2018): Hartford County (242), New Haven (240), Fairfield (140), Middlesex (44), New
London (42), Litchfield (38), Tolland (23), Windham (15) and 3 in currently unknown counties. Of the
positive reports, 662 were influenza A (subtype unspecified), 64 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 11 were
influenza A (H3N2), and 50 were influenza B (Figures 5 & 6).

...

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/thisweeksfluupdate.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

State reports 1 death from flu, bringing season total to 4
POSTED 12:52 PM, JANUARY 4, 2019, BY DOUG STEWART, UPDATED AT 04:30PM, JANUARY 4, 2019


HARTFORD ? Another person has died from flu related causes, bringing the total to four this season.

State officials said, ?Three flu-associated deaths were associated with influenza A (unspecified) and one with influenza B. Of the 4 total reported flu-associated deaths, 3 occurred in persons > [greater than] 65 years of age and 1
in a person 50-64 years of age.?
...

https://fox61.com/2019/01/04/state-reports-1-death-from-flu-bringing-season-total-to-4/

[Ronan Kelly]

2018-2019 Influenza Season Update for Week 1*
(The week ending on Saturday, January 5, 2019)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at widespread** for week 1.
 Influenza activity has rapidly increased in Connecticut during the past several weeks.
 Influenza A viruses are the predominate type circulating; very few flu B viruses are now being reported.
 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recent reports on the percentage of people
nationally seeing their health care provider with influenza-like-illness (ILI) has increased to 4.1%, above the
national baseline of 2.2% for elevated ILI activity.
 There is still time for you and your family to obtain your flu vaccine and take steps to prevent influenzarelated illness and hospitalization: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Immunizati...onal-Influenza
The Department of Public Health (DPH) uses multiple surveillance systems to monitor circulating flu viruses
throughout the year. Data are updated with available information each week starting in October and ending in
May. Consider current week data preliminary due to delays in reporting and confirmation.
 The percentage of statewide emergency department visits attributed to the ?fever/flu syndrome? has
decreased slightly from 10.8% in week 52 to 10.4% in week 1 (Figure 1). Caution should be used when
comparing the 2018-2019 EpiCenter syndromic surveillance data to 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 Hospital
Emergency Department Syndromic Surveillance System data?
.
 The percentage of outpatient visits with influenza-like illness (ILI) is currently 5.1%, above the level of 1%,
generally considered the minimum threshold for elevated influenza-associated visits in the outpatient setting
in Connecticut (Figure 2).
 To date, a total of 377 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted between August
26 and January 5, 2019 have been reported. Of these, 333 were associated with type A (subtype
unspecified), 25 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 6 influenza A (H3N2), and 13 influenza B viruses (Figures 3 &
4).
 Two flu-associated deaths were reported in week 1, resulting in a total of 6 flu-associated deaths reported in
Connecticut during this flu season so far. Five flu-associated deaths were associated with influenza A
(unspecified) and 1 with influenza B. Of the 6 total reported flu-associated deaths, 4 occurred in persons
>65 years of age, 1 in a person 50-64 years of age, and 1 in a person 25-49 years of age.
 A total of 1,039 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season (August 26
? January 5, 2019): Hartford County (342), New Haven (314), Fairfield (172), Middlesex (62), New London
(48), Litchfield (43), Tolland (29), Windham (23) and 6 in currently unknown counties. Of the positive
reports, 878 were influenza A (subtype unspecified), 98 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 11 influenza A (H3N2),
and 52 influenza B (Figures 5 & 6).
...

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/thisweeksfluupdate.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

Connecticut flu deaths rise to 8 this season
By: Matt Dillane
Posted: Jan 17, 2019 03:27 PM EST

Updated: Jan 17, 2019 03:27 PM EST

(WTNH) - Eight people have now died from the flu in Connecticut this season, according to the Department of Public Health.

...

The DPH added that five of the people who died were 65-years-old or older.

https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/connecticut-flu-deaths-rise-to-8-this-season/1708242747

[Ronan Kelly]

2018-2019 Influenza Season Update for Week 2
*
(The week ending on Saturday, January 12, 2019)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at widespread** for week 2.
 Influenza activity has rapidly increased in Connecticut during the past several weeks.
 Influenza A viruses are the predominate type circulating; very few flu B viruses are now being reported.
 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recent reports on the percentage of people
nationally seeing their health care provider with influenza-like-illness (ILI) is currently 3.5%, above the
national baseline of 2.2% for elevated ILI activity.
 There is still time for you and your family to obtain your flu vaccine and take steps to prevent influenzarelated illness and hospitalization: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Immunizati...onal-Influenza
The Department of Public Health (DPH) uses multiple surveillance systems to monitor circulating flu viruses
throughout the year. Data are updated with available information each week starting in October and ending in
May. Consider current week data preliminary due to delays in reporting and confirmation.
 The percentage of statewide emergency department visits attributed to the ?fever/flu syndrome? has
decreased from 10.4% in week 1 to 9.7% in week 2 (Figure 1). Caution should be used when comparing the
2018-2019 EpiCenter syndromic surveillance data to 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 Hospital Emergency
Department Syndromic Surveillance System data?
.
 The percentage of outpatient visits with influenza-like illness (ILI) is currently 6.1%, above the level of 1%
generally considered the minimum threshold for elevated influenza-associated visits in the outpatient setting
in Connecticut (Figure 2).
 To date, a total of 433 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted during the current
season (August 26 to January 12, 2019) have been reported. Of these, 370 were associated with type A
(subtype unspecified), 40 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 8 influenza A (H3N2), and 15 influenza B viruses
(Figures 3 & 4).
 Two flu-associated deaths were reported in week 2, resulting in a total of 8 deaths reported in Connecticut
during this flu season so far. Seven flu-associated deaths were associated with influenza A (unspecified) and
1 with influenza B. Of the 8 total reported flu-associated deaths, 5 occurred in persons ≥65 years of age, 2 in
persons 50-64 years of age, and 1 in a person 25-49 years of age.
 A total of 1,248 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season: Hartford
County (381), New Haven (383), Fairfield (183), Middlesex (80), New London (65), Litchfield (45),
Tolland (34), Windham (34) and 43 in currently unknown counties. Of the 1,248 total positive reports,
1,020 were influenza A (subtype unspecified), 160 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 14 influenza A (H3N2), and
54 influenza B (Figures 5 & 6).
...

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/flusummary_1819_wk2.pdf?la=en