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Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-35 (Summary)

M

Missouriwatcher

Editor, Senior Moderator
Week 42: Sporadic
? Flu-related Emergency Department (ED) visits were low throughout the state. Multi-state comparisons of influenza ED visits can be found at, http://www.isdsdistribute.org/.

? 51 (0.7%) of 6900 outpatient Doctor Visits were attributed to Influenza-like Illness (ILI), same as the previous week. When the proportion of ILI exceeds 2.5% in Pennsylvania, it should be considered excess or above average illness. The most recent national flu activity update can be found at, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/.

? One (6%) of 18 respiratory specimens tested by BOL was positive for flu; 3 were positive for Para influenza type 2 and 10 positive for Rhinovirus. This shows that other repiratory viruses are causing flu-like illnesses.

? Seasonal A/H3N2 influenza continues to be the dominant flu strain this flu season, about 70% (7 of every 10) flu viruses currently circulating in Pennsylvania are the seasonal A/H3N2; only 2 viruses isolated since June of 2010 have been the Pandemic A/H1N1 strain, 2 influenza type B and one seasonal A/H1N1 influenza.

? 5 lab positive (not subtyped) flu cases were reported during week 42, down from 6 cases reported the previous week. No apparent increase in flu or ILI in a single county or region of the state was reported.

? No flu outbreak was reported during week 42.

? One hospitalization associated with flu was reported during week 42.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2
 
Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-43

Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-43

Week 43: Sporadic
? One influenza outbreak was reported in a long term care facility
? Flu-related Emergency Department (ED) visits were low throughout the state. Multi-state comparisons of influenza ED visits can be found at, http://www.isdsdistribute.org/.
? 68 (0.7%) of 9 000 outpatient Doctor Visits were attributed to Influenza-like Illness (ILI), same as the previous week. When the proportion of ILI exceeds 2.5% in Pennsylvania, it should be considered excess or above average illness. The most recent national flu activity update can be found at, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/.
? None of the 20 respiratory specimens tested by BOL was positive for flu but 4 specimens were positive for Rhinovirus. Physicians should consider Rhinovirus and Parainfluenza as possible etiological causes of influenza-like illness at this time.
? Seasonal A/H3N2 influenza continues to be the dominant flu strain this flu season, about 70% (7 of every 10) flu viruses currently circulating in Pennsylvania are the seasonal A/H3N2; only 2 viruses isolated since June of 2010 have been the Pandemic A/H1N1 strain and 2 influenza type B.
? Six lab positive influenza cases were reported to PA NEDSS from the following counties; Luzerne (2), Venango (2), Bucks (1) and Lancaster (1). No apparent increase in flu or ILI was observed in a single county or region of the state.
? No influenza-asociated hospitalizations or deaths were reported during week 43.
? The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was below average.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2
 
Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-43

Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-43

Some anomalies with the Pennsylvania report

From week 42;
only 2 viruses isolated since June of 2010 have been the Pandemic A/H1N1 strain, 2 influenza type B and one seasonal A/H1N1 influenza.


From week 43;
only 2 viruses isolated since June of 2010 have been the Pandemic A/H1N1 strain and 2 influenza type B.


What happened to the seasonal H1N1 sample??

Look at the chart below for week 43; it has 2 panflu, 3 Inf B (not 2 as stated above) and 16 H3N2 (last week had 17 H3N2) For a total of 21 positives.
viruses.jpg

However the accompanying chart lists 21 Inf A positives and 1 Inf B positive for a total of 22 positives.

The data is presented in 3 formats each of which contradicts the other and we're only talking about 20 odd samples. Not a strong indication of good data collection and analysis from Penna!
 
Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-45

Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-45

Week 45: Local
22 lab positive influenza cases were reported in Pennsylvania, up from 16 reported the previous week. Most of them reported from the SW region of the state and were influenza type A.

ILI: 1% (baseline 2.5%)

Of the 51 respiratory specimens tested by the state lab, only 16 (31%) were positive for respiratory viruses; 4 (8%) were positive for flu (2 seasonal A/H3N2 and 2 were the 2009 pandemic H1N1), 10 specimens (19%) tested positive for Rhinovirus, 1 (2%) parainfluenza and 1 (2%) were postive for adenovirus.

Seasonal A/H3N2 influenza continues to be the dominant flu strain this flu season, about 70% (7 of every 10) flu viruses currently circulating in Pennsylvania are the seasonal A/H3N2. However, the 2009 Pandemic H1N1 virus may be on the increase -3 cases of pH1N1 flu were reported in the last two weeks, which is a big increase considering that only 1 case was reported between January and June of 2010.

One influenza-asociated hospitalizations was reported, down from 5 cases reported the previous week.

No influenza-asociated death was reported, none has been reported this season, since October 3, 2010.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2
 
Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-46 (2 deaths)

Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-46 (2 deaths)

Week 46: Local
18 lab positive influenza cases were reported in Pennsylvania, down from 22 reported the previous week. Most of them reported from the NE region of the state and were influenza type A.

· 104 (1%) of 10, 256 outpatient Doctor Visits were attributed to Influenza-like Illness (ILI), same as the previous week.

· Seasonal A/H3N2 influenza continues to be the dominant flu strain this flu season, about 70% (7 of every 10) flu viruses currently circulating in Pennsylvania are the seasonal A/H3N2. However, the 2009 Pandemic H1N1 virus may be on the increase.

· Three influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported.

· Two influenza-associated deaths were reported, the first influenza deaths this season.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2
 
Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-47 (1 New Death)

Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-47 (1 New Death)

Week 47: Local
2 flu hospitalizations and one death were reported

· Two influenza outbreaks were reported, one in Erie county and another in Lycoming county; both involved residents of long term care facilities.

· 20 lab positive influenza cases were reported in Pennsylvania, down from 18 reported the previous week. Most of them reported from the SC region of the state and were influenza type A. The level of influenza activity seen so far this season is consistent with patterns seen during regular flu seasons (pre 2009 pandemic A/H1N1).

· ILI: 1%

· Seasonal A/H3N2 influenza continues to be the dominant flu strain this flu season accounting for nearly half of all flu viruses circulating in Pennsylvania with the 2009 Pandemic H1N1 virus and influenza type B accounting for the other half.

· One influenza-associated deaths was reported, the second influenza death this season.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

NOTE: Last week the report had 2 deaths reported. This new report has one new death total 2.
 
Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-48 (2 New Deaths)

Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-48 (2 New Deaths)

Week 48: Local
2 new deaths reported; total 4
5 new hospitalizations; total 16

55 lab positive influenza cases were reported in Pennsylvania, more than double what was reported the previous week. Most of the new flu cases were reported from the NE and SE regions of the state and were influenza type A. The level of influenza activity seen so far this season is consistent with patterns seen during regular flu seasons (pre 2009 pandemic A/H1N1).

116(1%) of 10, 096 outpatient Doctor Visits reported by sentinel providers were attributed to Influenza-like Illness (ILI), same as the previous week. When the proportion of ILI exceeds 2.5% in Pennsylvania, it should be considered excess or above average illness.

Seasonal A/H3N2 influenza continues to be the dominant flu strain this flu season accounting for nearly half (42%) of all flu viruses circulating in Pennsylvania with isolated cases of the 2009 Pandemic H1N1 virus and influenza type B accounting for the other half.

No flu-related death was reported during week 48; four deaths have been reported this season.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2
 
Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-49

Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-49

Anecdotal note: South Eastern PA. Cub Scout Pack Christmas Caroling at a Senior Citizen home was recently cancelled because too many of the seniors at the facility had the flu.
 
Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-50

Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-50

Week 50: Local
No new deaths
3 new hospitalizations

ILI:1.6%
Positive specimens: 14% Seasonal A/H3N2 influenza continues to be the dominant flu strain circulating in Pennsylvania, accounting for half (64%) of all flu viruses identified by the state lab with isolated cases of the 2009 Pandemic H1N1 virus and influenza type B co circulating.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2
 
Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-51 (One Pediatric Death)

Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-51 (One Pediatric Death)

Week 51: Regional
1 pediatric death

Emergency Department (ED) visits for flu were elevated in the NE and SE regions of the state.

174 flu cases were reported; more than double what was reported the previous week. Most of the recent flu cases were reported in the NE and SE regions of the state.

Influenza type A continues to be the most reported type of flu accounting for 90% of flu viruses reported during week 51, flu type B accounted to 18(10%) of flu reported.

Influenza was detected in 38 (47%) of respiratory specimens submitted for confirmatory testing at the state lab, a threefold increase from 14% reported the previous week.

Influenza A/H3N2 continues to be the dominant strain, though flu type B is also on the increase. Of the 36 flu viruses subtyped at the state lab during week 51, 28 (78%) were seasonal A/H3N2, 3(8%) were unsutypeable, 3 (8%)flu type B and 2 (6%) the 2009 A/H1N1.

Nine flu hospitalizations were reported, up from 3 reported the previous week. Three of the recent hospitalizations were in children under 18 years of age. Most of the children who are hospitalized with influenza are over 6 months old, an age group for which the 2011 flu vaccine is indicated.

One flu death in a child was reported during week 51. This is the pediatric first flu death in Pennsylvania this season. Four other flu deaths have been reported in adults.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2
 
Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-52 (Two New Deaths)

Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-52 (Two New Deaths)

Week 52: Regional
2 new deaths; total 8
11 new hospitalizations (Most of the recent influenza hospitalizatons and deaths were in people who had no recent history of influenza vaccination)
ILI: 2.8%
47% specimens were positive for influenza

#Emergency Department (ED) visits for flu were elevated in most regions of the state.
#182 flu cases were reported, up from 174 cases reported the previous week. Most of the recent flu cases were reported in the NE and SE regions.
#Influenza type A accounted for 90% of flu viruses reported during week 52, flu type B caused the other 10%.
#Influenza A/H3N2 continues to be the dominant strain, though flu type B is also on the increase. Of the 55 flu viruses subtyped at the state lab during week 52, 41 (75%) were seasonal A/H3N2, 5(9%) were unsutypeable, 4 (7%) the 2009 A/H1N1 and 5 (9%)flu type B.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2
 
Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-1 (One New Death)

Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-1 (One New Death)

Week 1: Regional
1 new death; total 9
16 hospitalizations
ILI: 2.4%
ED visits for flu declined slightly in most regions of the state.
79 flu cases were reported, a twofold decline from 182 cases reported the previous week. Most of the recent flu cases were reported in the NE and SE regions.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2
 
Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-1 (Three Deaths)

Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-1 (Three Deaths)

Week 1 has been updated as of Jan 12, 2011: (Highlighted are changes or additions to the earlier report)

3 deaths reported in week 1; total 11

8 Influenza A outbreaks in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) reported, a twofold increase from 4 cases reported the previous week. Six of the recent outbreaks were in the southeast region, one was in the northcentral and the other was in the northwest region of the state.

460 flu cases were reported, a 75% increase from 263 cases reported the previous week. Most of the recent flu cases were reported in the NE and SE regions.

Nearly 90% of all specimens tested for influenza at the state lab were positive. Influenza type A accounted for 90% of flu viruses reported during week 52, flu type B caused the other 10%.

Seventy flu hospitalizations were reported, more than double the number (23) reported the previous week.

Season-to-date ILI percentage by age-group listed: highest group 25-49 years (25.15%) The elderly (people > 65 years) account for 22% of all flu cases reported to date but account for over half of all reported flu hospitalizations and deaths.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2
 
Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-1 (Three Deaths)

Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-1 (Three Deaths)

Anybody have an idea as to why PA didn't report this week? Their hospitalizations nearly tripled from Week 51 to Week 1, but we've heard nothing since.
 
Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-1 (Three Deaths)

Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-1 (Three Deaths)

It took Georgia 2 weeks to update their site. It seems several states are opting for 2-week updates.
 
Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-3 (One New Death; Total 18)

Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-3 (One New Death; Total 18)

Week 3: Widespread
1 new death; total 18
ILI: 4%

7 Influenza A outbreaks in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) reported, a similar number of outbreaks were reported the previous week. Thirty eight flu outbreaks have been reported since the begining of October 2010.

915 flu cases were reported, a 53% increase from 597 cases reported the previous week. While all regions of the state reported increased flu activity, significant increases were reported in the southcentral and northcentral regions of the state which had low activity at the begining of the season.

Nearly 70% of all specimens tested for influenza at the state lab were positive. Specimens tested at the state lab are mostly from people with influenza-like illness(ILI). This high positivity suggests that most people presenting with ILI may actually have the flu.

Influenza type A accounted for 90% of flu cases reported during week 3, flu type B caused the other 10%.

One flu death was reported during week 03, altogether 18 flu deaths have been reported since October of 2010. Less than 10 flu deaths are reported by January during most flu seasons (except last year when the pandemic A/H1N1 circulated).

Even though the elderly (people over 65 years) currently account for only 18% of all flu cases reported so far, they account for more than half of all hospitalizations and deaths.

Influenza activity among health adults aged 25 to 49 years is on the increase (27%), this is now the most affected age group followed by the elderly.

Most of the recent influenza hospitalizations and deaths were in people who had no recent history of influenza vaccination.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2
 
Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-3 (One New Death; Total 18)

Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-3 (One New Death; Total 18)

Two things worth noting; The missing week 2 must account for 6 fatalities

and on the hospitalization graph below, PA has not updated for two weeks.

hosp3.jpg
 
Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-3 (One New Death; Total 21)

Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-3 (One New Death; Total 21)

Week 4: Widespread
1 new death; total 21
1200 flu cases were reported, a 31% increase from 915 cases reported the previous week (significant increases were reported in the southcentral and northcentral regions of the state )
17 Influenza A outbreaks in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) reported
~90% positive specimens (majority 2009/H1N1)

Influenza activity among health adults aged 25 to 49 years is on the increase, this is now the most affected age group followed by the elderly.

Most of the recent influenza hospitalizations and deaths were in people who had no recent history of influenza vaccination.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2
 
Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-3 (One New Death; Total 21)

Re: Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Season: Weeks 42-3 (One New Death; Total 21)

"One flu death was reported during week 04, altogether 21 flu deaths have been reported since October of 2010. Less than 15 flu deaths are reported by January during most flu seasons (except last year when the pandemic A/H1N1 circulated)."

Last week's total was 18, this week's is 21 so 3 newly reported deaths, one of which occurred in week 4. No update on the hospitalization graph yet.
Flu fatalities running 30% above normal and,

"1200 flu cases were reported, a 31% increase from 915 cases reported the previous week. While all regions of the state reported increased flu activity, significant increases were reported in the southcentral and northcentral regions of the state which had low activity at the begining of the season."
 
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