Mary Wilson
Well-known member
In the current season of increased circulation of respiratory viruses in the northern hemisphere during the 2024 - 2025 season, several countries, mainly in the European region, are reporting an increase in care seeking and hospitalizations for respiratory infections. Given this situation and considering that similar situations may occur in the countries of the Americas Region that are in the season of increased circulation of respiratory viruses, the Pan American Health Organization
/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) recommends adjusting preparedness plans and organization of health services for an eventual overload in the health system. It is recommended to reinforce the necessary measures for the prevention and control of respiratory virus infections,
implement measures to ensure early diagnosis and adequate clinical management, especially among the population at high risk of severe disease, ensure vaccination against respiratory viruses, ensuring high vaccination coverage in high-risk groups, adequate forecasting and organization of health services, strict compliance with infection prevention control measures, adequate supply of antivirals and personal protective equipment, as well as adequate risk communication to the population and health professionals.
Summary of the situation
According to available respiratory virus surveillance data reported by countries to the World Health Organization (WHO) as of 11 January 2025, worldwide influenza positivity of 22.05% is observed in epidemiological week (EW) 1 of 2025, representing a 2.8% increase in positivity compared to EW 52 of 2024 (Figure 1) (1). In the Northern Hemisphere, since the end of 2024, high influenza virus activity
is observed, with an increasing trend in several countries in Europe and North America1(mainly with detection of A(H1N1)pdm09, in addition to A(H3N2)), Central America2 and the Caribbean3 (mainly A(H3N2)), West Africa (mainly A(H1N1)pdm09), Central Africa (mainly A(H1N1)pdm09), North Africa (mainly A(H3N2)), and in several countries in Asia (mainly with detection of A(H1N1)pdm09) (Figure 2) (2).
Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are expected to show an increasing trend in the winter, due to simultaneous circulation of multiple respiratory pathogens such as seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This situation can place an increased burden and demand on health systems, making it essential to prepare health services for the possibility of an increase in cases or outbreaks (3). ...
https://www.paho.org/sites/default/files/2025-01/2025-jan-17-phe-alert-flu-ovr-he-norenfinal.pdf