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 3*
(The week ending on Saturday, January 19, 2019)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at widespread** for week 3.
 Influenza activity in Connecticut remains elevated after rapidly increasing during December.
 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 3.1%, 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
increased from 9.7% in week 1 to 10.9% in week 3 (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 692 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted during the current
season (August 26 to January 19, 2019) have been reported. Of these, 602 were associated with type A
(subtype unspecified), 57 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 13 influenza A (H3N2), and 20 influenza B viruses
(Figures 3 & 4).
 Three flu-associated deaths were reported in week 3, resulting in a total of 11 deaths reported in Connecticut
during this flu season so far. Ten flu-associated deaths were associated with influenza A (unspecified) and 1
with influenza B. Of the 11 total reported flu-associated deaths, 8 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 1,677 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season: Hartford
County (525), New Haven (473), Fairfield (272), Middlesex (114), New London (100), Litchfield (76),
Windham (52), Tolland (41), and 24 in currently unknown counties. Of the 1,677 total positive reports,
1,388 were influenza A (subtype unspecified), 206 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 22 influenza A (H3N2), and
61 influenza B (Figures 5 & 6).
...
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Depart...date.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

2018-2019 Influenza Season Update for Week 4
*
(The week ending on Saturday, January 26, 2019)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at widespread** for week 4.
 Influenza activity in Connecticut has increased during the last several weeks in Connecticut.
 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 3.3%, 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
decreased slightly from 10.9% in week 3 to 10.6% in week 4 (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 5.2%, 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 954 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted during the current
season (August 26 to January 26, 2019) have been reported. Of these, 824 were associated with type A
(subtype unspecified), 86 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 19 influenza A (H3N2), and 25 influenza B viruses
(Figures 3 & 4).
 Three flu-associated deaths were reported in week 4, resulting in a total of 14 deaths reported in Connecticut
during this flu season so far. Twelve flu-associated deaths were associated with influenza A (unspecified), 1
with influenza A (H3N2), and 1 with influenza B. Of the 14 total reported flu-associated deaths, 9 occurred
in persons >65 years of age, 4 in persons 50-64 years of age, and 1 in a person 25-49 years of age.
 A total of 2,484 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season: Hartford
County (690), New Haven (675), Fairfield (521), New London (166), Middlesex (146), Litchfield (101),
Windham (83), Tolland (52), and 50 in currently unknown counties. Of the 2,484 total positive reports,
2,050 were influenza A (subtype unspecified), 324 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 37 influenza A (H3N2), and
73 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]

2018-2019 Influenza Season Update for Week 5
*
(The week ending on Saturday, February 2, 2019)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at widespread** for week 5.
 Influenza activity in Connecticut has generally increased during the last several weeks in Connecticut.
 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 3.8%, 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 10.6% in week 4 to 10.3% in week 5 (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 5.11%, 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 1,147 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted during the
current season (August 26 to February 2, 2019) have been reported. Of these, 993 were associated with type
A (subtype unspecified), 108 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 19 influenza A (H3N2), and 27 influenza B viruses
(Figures 3 & 4).
 Eight new influenza-associated deaths have been reported, 5 occurring in week MMWR 5 and 3 in week 4,
for a total of 22 deaths during the current season so far. Nineteen were associated with influenza A
(unspecified), 1 with influenza A (H3N2), and 2 with influenza B. Of the 22 total reported flu-associated
deaths, 14 occurred in persons >65 years of age, 7 in persons 50-64 years of age, and 1 in a person 25-49
years of age. For comparison to the 2017-2018 flu season, 63 total influenza-associated deaths had been
reported as of week 5.
 A total of 3,159 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season: New
Haven (877), Hartford County (859), Fairfield (678), New London (206), Middlesex (179), Litchfield (131),
Windham (103), Tolland (65), and 61 in currently unknown counties. Of the 3,159 total positive reports,
2,625 were influenza A (subtype unspecified), 396 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 48 influenza A (H3N2), and
90 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]

2018-2019 Influenza Season Update for Week 6
*
(The week ending on Saturday, February 9, 2019)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at widespread** for week 6.
 Influenza activity in Connecticut has continued to increase during the last several weeks in Connecticut.
 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 4.3%, 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 10.3% in week 5 to 10.8% in week 6 (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 4.2%, 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 1,425 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted during the
current season (August 26 to February 9, 2019) have been reported. Of these, 1,236 were associated with
type A (subtype unspecified), 135 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 27 influenza A (H3N2), and 27 influenza B
viruses (Figures 3 & 4).
 Three flu-associated deaths were reported in week 6, resulting in a total of 25 deaths reported in Connecticut
during this flu season so far. Twenty-one flu-associated deaths were associated with influenza A
(unspecified), 2 with influenza A (2009 H1N1), 1 with influenza A (H3N2), and 1 with influenza B. Of the
25 total reported flu-associated deaths, 15 occurred in persons >65 years of age, 9 in persons 50-64 years of
age, and 1 in a person 25-49 years of age.
 A total of 3,869 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season: New
Haven (1,110), Hartford County (1,012), Fairfield (811), Middlesex (235), New London (231), Litchfield
(176), Windham (139), Tolland (81), and 74 in currently unknown counties. Of the 3,869 total positive
reports, 3,237 were influenza A (subtype unspecified), 467 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 69 influenza A
(H3N2), and 96 influenza B (Figures 5 & 6).

...

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/flusummary_1819_wk6.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

2018-2019 Influenza Season Update for Week 7
*
(The week ending on Saturday, February 16, 2019)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at widespread** for week 7.
 Influenza activity has remained elevated during the last several weeks nationally and within Connecticut.
 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 4.8%, 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 6 to 10.7% in week 7 (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 1,668 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted during the
current season (August 26 to February 16, 2019) have been reported. Of these, 1,445 were associated with
type A (subtype unspecified), 161 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 35 influenza A (H3N2), and 27 influenza B
viruses (Figures 3 & 4).
 Four flu-associated deaths were reported in week 7, resulting in a total of 29 deaths reported in Connecticut
during this flu season so far. Twenty-five flu-associated deaths were associated with influenza A
(unspecified), 2 with influenza A (2009 H1N1), 1 with influenza A (H3N2), and 1 with influenza B. Of the
29 total reported flu-associated deaths, 17 occurred in persons >65 years of age, 9 in persons 50-64 years of
age, and 3 in persons 25-49 years of age. For comparison to the 2017-2018 flu season, 97 total influenzaassociated deaths had been reported as of week 7.
 A total of 4,540 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season: New
Haven (1,287), Hartford County (1,181), Fairfield (970), Middlesex (274), New London (261), Litchfield
(226), Windham (174), Tolland (91), and 76 in currently unknown counties. Of the 4,540 total positive
reports, 3,752 were influenza A (subtype unspecified), 602 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 89 influenza A
(H3N2), and 97 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?s first flu-related pediatric death reported by officials
POSTED 1:23 PM, FEBRUARY 22, 2019, BY JENNIFER GLATZ AND FOX 61 STAFF
FACEBOOK TWITTER PINTEREST LINKEDIN GOOGLE EMAIL

HARTFORD ? The Department of Public Health (DPH) announced Friday afternoon that a child had died earlier in the week from the flu.

This is the first pediatric death involving a Connecticut child this flu season.

?Our hearts go out to the family of this child. For confidentiality reasons, I can?t provide you with any additional details about this child?s illness?, said Commissioner Pino. ?I can, however, emphasize the importance of vaccinating children against influenza. In Connecticut, there have been reported 12 flu-associated pediatric deaths from the 2005-06 flu season through the 2017-18 season. Only two of these cases (17%) had evidence of current flu vaccination?.
...

https://fox61.com/2019/02/22/connecticuts-first-flu-related-pediatric-death-reported-by-officials/

[Ronan Kelly]

2018-2019 Influenza Season Update for Week 8
*
(The week ending on Saturday, February 23, 2019)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at widespread** for week 8.
 Influenza activity has remained elevated during the last several weeks nationally and within Connecticut.
 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 5.1%, 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 from 10.7% in week 7 to 9.3% in week 8 (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) has recently increased to 5.0%, 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 1,927 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted during the
current season (August 26 to February 23, 2019) have been reported. Of these, 1,667 were associated with
type A (subtype unspecified), 183 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 46 influenza A (H3N2), and 31 influenza B
viruses (Figures 3 & 4).
 Eight flu-associated deaths were reported in week 8, resulting in a total of 37 deaths reported in Connecticut
during this flu season so far. Thirty-two flu-associated deaths were associated with influenza A
(unspecified), 3 with influenza A (2009 H1N1), 1 with influenza A (H3N2), and 1 with influenza B. Of the
37 total reported flu-associated deaths, 23 occurred in persons >65 years of age, 10 in persons 50-64 years
of age, 3 in persons 25-49 years of age, and 1 in an individual 5-17 years of age. For comparison to the
2017-2018 flu season, 105 total influenza-associated deaths had been reported as of week 8.
 A total of 5,295 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season: New
Haven (1,551), Hartford County (1,285), Fairfield (1,129), New London (345), Middlesex (319), Litchfield
(285), Windham (195), Tolland (101), and 85 in currently unknown counties. Of the 5,295 total positive
reports, 4,405 were influenza A (subtype unspecified), 669 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 115 influenza A
(H3N2), and 106 influenza B (Figures 5 & 6).
...

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/flusummary_1819_wk8.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

2018-2019 Influenza Season Update for Week 9
*
(The week ending on Saturday, March 2, 2019)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at widespread** for week 9.
 Influenza activity may have peaked but remains elevated nationally and within Connecticut.
 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 5.0%, 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 9.3% in week 8 to 8.4% in week 9 (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) has recently increased to 5.2%, 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 2,118 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted during the
current season (August 26 to March 2, 2019) have been reported. Of these, 1,829 were associated with type
A (subtype unspecified), 199 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 57 influenza A (H3N2), and 33 influenza B viruses
(Figures 3 & 4).
 Three flu-associated deaths were reported in week 9, resulting in a total of 40 deaths reported in Connecticut
during this flu season so far. Thirty-four flu-associated deaths were associated with influenza A
(unspecified), 4 with influenza A (2009 H1N1), 1 with influenza A (H3N2), and 1 with influenza B. Of the
40 total reported flu-associated deaths, 25 occurred in persons >65 years of age, 11 in persons 50-64 years
of age, 3 in persons 25-49 years of age, and 1 in an individual 5-17 years of age.
 A total of 6,104 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season: New
Haven (1,892), Hartford County (1,399), Fairfield (1,239), New London (435), Middlesex (357), Litchfield
(353), Windham (210), Tolland (110), and 109 in currently unknown counties. Of the 6,104 total positive
reports, 5,139 were influenza A (subtype unspecified), 700 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 142 influenza A
(H3N2), and 123 influenza B (Figures 5 & 6).
 Three additional figures are included in this week?s update. Since 2003, the Connecticut Emerging
Infections Program (EIP) at the Yale School of Public Health conducts active surveillance for laboratory-
confirmed, influenza-associated hospitalizations as part of the national FluSurv-NET system. EIP staff work
with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and
local hospitals to conduct surveillance for hospitalized cases of influenza among residents of New Haven
and Middlesex Counties. Together with other FluSurv-NET sites, these data provide near real time estimates
of influenza severity in the US: https://publichealth.yale.edu/eip/projects/flu.aspx.
o Figure 7 displays total New Haven and Middlesex County resident hospitalizations by MMWR
week* and age category (includes preliminary counts for week 10 as of March 6, 2019). Please note
that the vast majority of hospitalizations are among residents greater than 65 years of age.
o Figure 8 displays total New Haven and Middlesex County resident hospitalizations by MMWR
week* and flu type (includes preliminary counts for week 10 as of March 6, 2019). The majority of
hospitalizations among New Haven and Middlesex County residents are associated with influenza
A infections.
o Figure 9 compares the current 2018-2019 influenza season New Haven and Middlesex County
resident hospitalizations with those of the previous two influenza seasons (2017-2018 and 2016-
2017).
...

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 10*
(The week ending on Saturday, March 9, 2019)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at widespread** for week 10.
 Influenza activity appears to have peaked but remains elevated nationally and within Connecticut.
 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 4.7%, 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 8.4% in week 9 to 7.8% in week 10 (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) has recently decreased to 4.9%, 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 2,303 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted during the
current season (August 26 to March 9, 2019) have been reported. Of these, 1,980 were associated with type
A (subtype unspecified), 213 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 75 influenza A (H3N2), and 35 influenza B viruses
(Figures 3 & 4).
 Four flu-associated deaths were reported in week 10, resulting in a total of 44 deaths reported in Connecticut
during this flu season so far. Thirty-eight flu-associated deaths were associated with influenza A
(unspecified), 4 with influenza A (2009 H1N1), 1 with influenza A (H3N2), and 1 with influenza B. Of the
44 total reported flu-associated deaths, 27 occurred in persons >65 years of age, 12 in persons 50-64 years
of age, 4 in persons 25-49 years of age, and 1 in an individual 5-17 years of age.
 A total of 6,595 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season: New
Haven (2,048), Hartford County (1,509), Fairfield (1,357), New London (524), Litchfield (400), Middlesex
(388), Windham (223), Tolland (121), and 25 in currently unknown counties. Of the 6,595 total positive
reports, 5,559 were influenza A (subtype unspecified), 723 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 187 influenza A
(H3N2), and 126 influenza B (Figures 5 & 6).
 Three additional figures are included in this week?s update. Since 2003, the Connecticut Emerging
Infections Program (EIP) at the Yale School of Public Health conducts active surveillance for laboratory
confirmed, influenza-associated hospitalizations as part of the national FluSurv-NET system. EIP staff work
with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and
local hospitals to conduct surveillance for hospitalized cases of influenza among residents of New Haven
and Middlesex Counties. Together with other FluSurv-NET sites, these data provide near real time estimates
of influenza severity in the US: https://publichealth.yale.edu/eip/projects/flu.aspx.
o Figure 7 displays total New Haven and Middlesex County resident hospitalizations by MMWR
week* and age category (includes preliminary counts for week 11 as of March 13, 2019). Please
note that the vast majority of hospitalizations are among residents greater than 65 years of age.
o Figure 8 displays total New Haven and Middlesex County resident hospitalizations by MMWR
week* and flu type (includes preliminary counts for week 11 as of March 13, 2019). The majority
of hospitalizations among New Haven and Middlesex County residents are associated with
influenza A infections.
o Figure 9 compares the current 2018-2019 influenza season New Haven and Middlesex County
resident hospitalizations with those of the previous two influenza seasons (2017-2018 and 2016-
2017).

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/flusummary_1819_wk10.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

2018-2019 Influenza Season Update for Week 11*
(The week ending on Saturday, March 16, 2019)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at widespread** for week 11.
 Influenza activity remains elevated nationally and appears to have increased slightly within Connecticut.
 Influenza A viruses remain the predominate type circulating with flu A (H3N2) now exceeding flu A (2009
H1N1) as the most common subtype identified; very few flu B viruses are 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 4.5%, 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
increased slightly from 7.8% in week 9 to 7.9% in week 10 (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) had recently increased to 4.9%, 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 2,480 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted during the
current season (August 26 to March 16, 2019) have been reported. Of these, 2,143 were associated with type
A (subtype unspecified), 217 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 84 influenza A (H3N2), and 36 influenza B viruses
Flu-associated hospitalizations occurring during week 11 increased compared to week 10 (Figures 3 & 4).
 Eleven flu-associated deaths were reported in week 11, resulting in a total of 55 deaths reported in
Connecticut during this flu season so far. Forty-seven flu-associated deaths were associated with influenza
A (unspecified), 6 with influenza A (2009 H1N1), 1 with influenza A (H3N2), and 1 with influenza B. Of
the 55 total reported flu-associated deaths, 35 occurred in persons >65 years of age, 15 in persons 50-64
years of age, 4 in persons 25-49 years of age, and 1 in an individual 5-17 years of age.
 A total of 7,355 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season: New
Haven (2,207), Hartford County (1,686), Fairfield (1,505), New London (592), Litchfield (445), Middlesex
(427), Windham (240), Tolland (131), and 122 in currently unknown counties. Of the 7,355 total positive
reports, 6,246 were influenza A (subtype unspecified), 748 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 224 influenza A
(H3N2), and 137 influenza B (Figures 5 & 6).
...

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/flusummary_1819_wk11.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

2018-2019 Influenza Season Update for Week 12*
(The week ending on Saturday, March 23, 2019)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at widespread** for week 12.
 Influenza activity remains elevated nationally and had recently increased slightly within Connecticut.
 Influenza A viruses remain the predominate type circulating with flu A (H3N2) now exceeding flu A (2009
H1N1) as the most common subtype identified; very few flu B viruses are 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 4.4%, 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 7.9% in week 11 to 7.8% in week 12 (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) has decreased slightly from 5.0% in
week 11 to 4.9% in week 12, remaining 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 2,670 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted during the
current season (August 26 to March 23, 2019) have been reported. Of these, 2,309 were associated with type
A (subtype unspecified), 224 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 101 influenza A (H3N2), and 36 influenza B
viruses Flu-associated hospitalizations occurring during weeks 11 and 12 increased compared to week 10
(Figures 3 & 4).
 Two flu-associated deaths were reported in week 12, resulting in a total of 57 deaths reported in Connecticut
during this flu season so far. Forty-nine flu-associated deaths were associated with influenza A
(unspecified), 6 with influenza A (2009 H1N1), 1 with influenza A (H3N2), and 1 with influenza B. Of the
57 total reported flu-associated deaths, 37 occurred in persons >65 years of age, 15 in persons 50-64 years
of age, 4 in persons 25-49 years of age, and 1 in an individual 5-17 years of age.
 A total of 7,932 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season: New
Haven (2,417), Hartford County (1,811), Fairfield (1,603), New London (631), Litchfield (479), Middlesex
(452), Windham (258), Tolland (143), and 138 in currently unknown counties. Of the 7,932 total positive
reports, 6,764 were influenza A (subtype unspecified), 757 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 262 influenza A
(H3N2), and 149 influenza B (Figures 5 & 6).
...

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/flusummary_1819_wk12.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

2018-2019 Influenza Season Update for Week 13*
(The week ending on Saturday, March 30, 2019)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at widespread** for week 13.
 Influenza activity remains elevated nationally and has increased slightly within Connecticut.
 Influenza A viruses remain the predominate type circulating with flu A (H3N2) viruses continuing to exceed
flu A (2009 H1N1) as the most common subtype identified; few flu B viruses are 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 3.8%, 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 7.8% in week 12 to 8.1% in week 13 (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) has increased from 4.4% in week 12 to
4.5% in week 13, remaining 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 2,868 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted during the
current season (August 26 to March 30, 2019) have been reported. Of these, 2,479 were associated with type
A (subtype unspecified), 229 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 119 influenza A (H3N2), and 41 influenza B
viruses. Flu-associated hospitalizations occurring during weeks 11-13 are elevated compared to week 10
(Figures 3 & 4).
 Seven flu-associated deaths were reported in week 13, resulting in a total of 64 deaths reported in
Connecticut during this flu season so far. Fifty-five flu-associated deaths were associated with influenza A
(unspecified), 7 with influenza A (2009 H1N1), 1 with influenza A (H3N2), and 1 with influenza B. Of the
64 total reported flu-associated deaths, 42 occurred in persons >65 years of age, 17 in persons 50-64 years
of age, 4 in persons 25-49 years of age, and 1 in an individual 5-17 years of age.
 A total of 8,550 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season: New
Haven County (2,633), Hartford (1,956), Fairfield (1,680), New London (699), Litchfield (514), Middlesex
(484), Windham (269), Tolland (169), and 146 in currently unknown counties. Of the 8,550 total positive
reports, 7,310 were influenza A (subtype unspecified), 765 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 304 influenza A
(H3N2), and 171 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]

2018-2019 Influenza Season Update for Week 14*
(The week ending on Saturday, April 6, 2019)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at widespread** for week 14.
 Influenza activity remains elevated nationally and within Connecticut.
 Influenza A viruses remain the predominate type circulating with flu A (H3N2) viruses continuing to exceed
flu A (2009 H1N1) as the most common subtype identified; few flu B viruses are 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 3.2%, 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 8.1% in week 13 to 7.1% in week 14 (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) has decreased from 4.4% in week 13 to
4.1% in week 14, remaining 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 3,031 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted during the
current season (August 26 to April 6, 2019) have been reported. Of these, 2,601 were associated with type A
(subtype unspecified), 232 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 154 influenza A (H3N2), and 44 influenza B viruses.
Flu-associated hospitalizations occurring during weeks 11-13 were elevated compared to week 10 (Figures
3 & 4).
 Two flu-associated deaths were reported in week 14, resulting in a total of 66 deaths reported in Connecticut
during this flu season so far. Fifty-seven flu-associated deaths were associated with influenza A
(unspecified), 7 with influenza A (2009 H1N1), 1 with influenza A (H3N2), and 1 with influenza B. Of the
66 total reported flu-associated deaths, 44 occurred in persons >65 years of age, 17 in persons 50-64 years
of age, 4 in persons 25-49 years of age, and 1 in an individual 5-17 years of age.
 A total of 8,929 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season: New
Haven County (2,787), Hartford (1,965), Fairfield (1,701), New London (735), Litchfield (543), Middlesex
(499), Windham (276), Tolland (180), and 243 in currently unknown counties. Of the 8,929 total positive
reports, 7,620 were influenza A (subtype unspecified), 767 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 367 influenza A
(H3N2), and 175 influenza B (Figures 5 & 6).
...

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/flusummary_1819_wk14.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

2018-2019 Influenza Season Update for Week 15
*
(The week ending on Saturday, April 13, 2019)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at widespread** for week 15.
 Influenza activity remains elevated nationally and within Connecticut.
 Influenza A viruses remain the predominate type circulating with flu A (H3N2) viruses continuing to exceed
flu A (2009 H1N1) as the most common subtype identified; few flu B viruses are 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 2.8%, 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 7.1% in week 14 to 6.8% in week 15 (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) has stayed nearly constant, at 3.81% in
week 14 to 3.76% in week 15, remaining 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 3,152 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted during the
current season (August 26 to April 13, 2019) have been reported. Of these, 2,691 were associated with type
A (subtype unspecified), 234 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 176 influenza A (H3N2), and 51 influenza B
viruses. Flu-associated hospitalizations occurring during weeks 11-13 were elevated compared to week 10
(Figures 3 & 4).
 Two flu-associated deaths were reported in week 15, resulting in a total of 68 deaths reported in Connecticut
during this flu season so far. Fifty-nine flu-associated deaths were associated with influenza A (unspecified),
7 with influenza A (2009 H1N1), 1 with influenza A (H3N2), and 1 with influenza B. Of the 68 total
reported flu-associated deaths, 45 occurred in persons >65 years of age, 18 in persons 50-64 years of age, 4
in persons 25-49 years of age, and 1 in an individual 5-17 years of age.
 A total of 9,499 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season: New
Haven County (2,935), Hartford (2,164), Fairfield (1,775), New London (856), Litchfield (569), Middlesex
(527), Windham (304), Tolland (211), and 158 in currently unknown counties. Of the 9,499 total positive
reports, 8,068 were influenza A (subtype unspecified), 776 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 426 influenza A
(H3N2), and 229 influenza B (Figures 5 & 6).
...

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/flusummary_1819_wk15.pdf?la=en

[Ronan Kelly]

2018-2019 Influenza Season Update for Week 16
*
(The week ending on Saturday, April 20, 2019)
Key Points
 Classification of Connecticut geographic activity remains at widespread** for week 16.
 Influenza activity remains elevated nationally and within Connecticut.
 Influenza A viruses remain the predominate type circulating with flu A (H3N2) viruses exceeding and now
replacing flu A (2009 H1N1) as the most common subtype identified. These circulating influenza A (H3N2)
viruses resulted in an increased wave of flu activity, which is now decreasing. Few influenza B viruses have
been identified this season, although a slight increase has recently been observed.
 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 2.4%, above the
national baseline of 2.2% for elevated ILI activity.
 You and your family should continue to take steps to prevent influenza-related illness and hospitalization:
https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Immunizati...onal-Influenza The use of antiviral drugs is an important tool
in the prevention of hospitalizations and other severe flu illness outcomes. You should contact your doctor
quickly if you have a cough, sore throat, chills, body aches and fatigue or other symptoms of influenza.
There is still time for you and your family to obtain your flu vaccine if you have not already done so.
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 6.8% in week 15 to 5.9% in week 16 (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) has decreased from 3.9% in week 15 to
3.7% in week 16, remaining 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 3,231 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza admitted during the
current season (August 26 to April 20, 2019) have been reported. Of these, 2,752 were associated with type
A (subtype unspecified), 235 influenza A (2009 H1N1), 186 influenza A (H3N2), and 58 influenza B
viruses. Flu-associated hospitalizations occurring during weeks 11-14 were elevated compared to week 10
(Figures 3 & 4).
 One flu-associated death was reported in week 16, resulting in a total of 69 deaths reported in Connecticut
during this flu season so far. Sixty flu-associated deaths were associated with influenza A (unspecified), 7
with influenza A (2009 H1N1), 1 with influenza A (H3N2), and 1 with influenza B. Of the 69 total reported
flu-associated deaths, 46 occurred in persons >65 years of age, 18 in persons 50-64 years of age, 4 in
persons 25-49 years of age, and 1 in an individual 5-17 years of age.
...

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/infectious_diseases/flu/stats/flusummary_1819_wk16.pdf?la=en