Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-17 (No New Deaths; Total 200)

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-7 (14 New Deaths; Total 154)

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-7 (14 New Deaths; Total 154)

Week 7: Widespread
14 new adult deaths; total 154 (one of which is pediatric)

? Flu-related Emergency Department visits continued to decline in week 7, but current activity remains above average.

? 2.4% of outpatient doctor-visits reported by sentinel physicians were attributed to ILI, which is at baseline (2.4%).

? 34,090 lab positive cases have been reported season-to-date. 1,082 flu cases were reported during week 7, down from 1,876 cases reported during week 6. Influenza cases have been reported in all age groups and counties of the state. More reports of lab positive influenza, hospitalizations and deaths have now (as of week 7) been been reported in Pennsylvania this season than any past season since 2003 when Pennsylvania started started tracking the flu.

? Influenza viruses were detected in 58% of respiratory samples that were submitted to the state lab for confirmatory testing during week 7, a similar pattern was reported during week 6. At this time, influenza remains the most common cause of respiratory illness, accounting for >60% of all respiratory isolates detected by the state lab.

? Because of the declining prevalence of influenza, other respiratory viruses should be considered in persons presenting with flu-like illneses. In addition to influenza, the state lab is now detecting an increasing number of non-flu respiratory viruses, including, rhinovirus, respiratory synctial virus (RSV), adenovirus, parainfluenza, coronavirus and adenovirus.

? While influenza type A remains the most common reported influenza type, over the last two weeks the proportion of influenza type B viruses reported has increased. Influenza type B viruses generally cause milder illness than type A viruses, but can still result in serious complications. However, the increase in type B viruses may increase illness in persons less than 50 years of age.

? Influenza A/H3N2 subtype continues to be the dominant influenza strain circulating in Pennsylvania, a strain that generally causes severe illness in older age groups. Viruses circulating this season are similar to strains included in this year's influenza vaccine. Because influenza activity may continue into the spring, it is not too late to get vaccinated against influenza.

? The state lab can now test influenza viruses for sensitivity to antiviral medications. Nearly all viruses tested so far are sensitive to currently antiviral medications. During week 6, the state lab detected an influenza A/H1N1 virus which was resistant to Tamiflu. No additional viruses of this nature have been detected in Pennsylvania; suggesting that nearly all circulating A/H1N1 viruses remain sensitive to Tamiflu.

? 111 flu-related hospitalizations were reported during week 7, down from 151 hospitalizations reported during week 6. Altogether, 3,016 hospitalizations have been reported season-to-date. The median age of hospitalizations is 79 years (range 0 to 99) years. While the overall number of hospitalizations has plateaued, the proportion of elderly among those hospitalized has increased. The elderly currently account for 23% of all reported cases but nearly 70% of all reported hospitalizations.

? 11 outbreaks of influenza in long term care facilities were reported during week 7, down from 6 reported during week 6. Altogether, 345 outbreaks have been reported season-to-date. This is further evidence of the impact influenza can have on the elderly. Vaccinating employees and residents of long term care facilities, along with infection control practices, can limit the impact of influenza. A list of Pennsylvania hospitals and long term care facilities with >90% influenza vaccine coverage among employees can be found at, http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1008994&mode=2.

? 14 influenza-related deaths were reported last week. Altogether, 154 flu-related deaths have been reported season-to-date - which is by far the most flu-related deaths reported in Pennsylvania in a single season. A majority (87%) of reported deaths are among the elderly (persons >65 years of age).
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

 

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-8 (Six New Adult Deaths; Total 160)

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-8 (Six New Adult Deaths; Total 160)

Week 8: Widespread
6 new adult deaths; total 160 (one of which was pediatric)

? 6.8% of Emergency Department visits reported by PA hospitals were attributed to influenza-like illnesses, which is just above baseline (6%).

? 1.8% of outpatient doctor-visits reported by sentinel physicians were attributed to ILI, which is close to baseline (2.4%). Pennsylvania Department of Health works with a network of 145 sentinel physicians across the state (pediatricians, family medicine, colleges) to track the proportion of flu-like illness seen in outpatient settings weekly.

? 34, 625 lab positive cases have been reported season-to-date. 990 flu cases were reported during week 8, down from 1,558 cases (adjusted for late reporting) reported during week 7. Influenza cases continue to be reported in all age groups and counties of the state. More reports of lab positive influenza, hospitalizations and deaths have now been been reported in Pennsylvania this season than any past season since 2003 when Pennsylvania started tracking the flu.

? Influenza viruses were detected in 48% of respiratory samples that were submitted to the state lab for confirmatory testing during week 8, down from 58% reported during week 7. The positivity of respiratory samples is a proxy for disease prevalence. At this time, influenza is only isolated in half of all persons presenting with ILI, for whom respiratory specimens were submitted to the state lab, which means other respiratory viruses should now be considered as possible causes of influenza. It should also be noted that as the prevalence of influenza goes down, rapid diagnostic test kits do not perform as well. Therefore, more accurate tests, including rt-PCR and culture, should be considered for influenza testing.

? Other respiratory viruses that are currently co-circulating with influenza include, rhinovirus, respiratory synctial virus (RSV), adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, coronavirus and adenovirus.

? At this time, as much influenza type A viruses as type B are being reported, it is typical to see an increase in influenza type B viruses after peak season. Influenza type B viruses generally cause milder illness than type A viruses, but can still result in serious complications.

? A majority (>90%) of influenza A viruses that are circulating continue to be the A/H3N2 subtype, a strain that generally causes severe illness in older age groups. A majority (99%) of circulating viruses (A/H3/N2, H1N1 and flu type B) are similar to strains included in this year's influenza vaccine. Even though recent data shows that the elderly did not mount effective immunity from the vaccine, influenza remains the best protection we have against influenza. Influenza vaccination prevents up to 50% influenza illness in persons under 65 years of age which in turn reduces the likelihood of transmission to older persons. It is not too late to get vaccinated against influenza.

? The state lab can now test influenza viruses for sensitivity to antiviral medications. Nearly all viruses tested so far are sensitive to currently antiviral medications. During week 7, the state lab detected an influenza A/H1N1 virus which was resistant to Tamiflu. No additional viruses of this nature have been detected in Pennsylvania; suggesting that nearly all circulating A/H1N1 viruses remain sensitive to Tamiflu.

? 96 flu-related hospitalizations were reported during week 8, down from 111 hospitalizations reported during week 8. Altogether, 3,116 hospitalizations have been reported season-to-date. The median age of hospitalizations is 79 years (range 0 to 99) years. While the overall number of hospitalizations has plateaued, the proportion of elderly among those hospitalized has increased. The elderly currently account for 23% of all reported cases but nearly 70% of all reported hospitalizations.

? 51 outbreaks of influenza in long term care facilities were reported during week 8, up from 11 reported during week 7. Altogether, 396 outbreaks have been reported season-to-date. This is further evidence of the impact influenza can have on the elderly. Vaccinating employees and residents of long term care facilities, along with infection control practices, can limit the impact of influenza. A list of Pennsylvania hospitals and long term care facilities with >90% influenza vaccine coverage among employees can be found at, http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1008994&mode=2.

? 6 influenza-related deaths were reported last week. Altogether, 160 flu-related deaths have been reported season-to-date - which is by far the most flu-related deaths reported in Pennsylvania in a single season. A majority (>85%) of reported deaths are among the elderly (persons >65 years of age).
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

 

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-9 (10 New Adult Deaths; Total 170)

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-9 (10 New Adult Deaths; Total 170)

Week 9: Widespread
10 new adult deaths; total 170 (one of which was pediatric)

· 6.5% of Emergency Department visits reported by PA hospitals were attributed to influenza-like illnesses, down from 6.8% last week and still above baseline (6%).

· 2.2% of outpatient doctor-visits reported by sentinel physicians were attributed to ILI, up from 1.8% reported last week but still below baseline (2.4%). Pennsylvania Department of Health works with a network of 145 sentinel physicians across the state (pediatricians, family medicine, colleges) to track the proportion of flu-like illness seen in outpatient settings weekly.

· 37,146 lab positive cases have been reported season-to-date. 930 flu cases were reported during week 9, down from 1,529 reported cases (adjusted for late reporting) reported during week 8. Influenza cases continue to be reported in all age groups and regions of the state. More reports of lab positive influenza, hospitalizations and deaths have now been been reported in Pennsylvania this season than any past season since 2003 when Pennsylvania started tracking the flu.

· Influenza viruses were detected in 38% of respiratory samples that were submitted to the state lab for confirmatory testing during week 9, down from 48% reported during week 8.

· Other respiratory viruses that are currently co-circulating with influenza - in order of prevalence - include, respiratory synctial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses and coronavirus.

· At this time, more influenza type B viruses than type A are being reported, it is typical to see an increase in influenza type B viruses after peak season.

· The state lab can now monitor influenza viruses for sensitivity to antiviral medications. Nearly all viruses tested so far are sensitive to current antiviral medications. During week 7, the state lab detected an influenza A/H1N1 virus which was resistant to Tamiflu. No additional viruses of this nature have been detected in Pennsylvania; suggesting that nearly all circulating A/H1N1 viruses remain sensitive to Tamiflu.

· 77 flu-related hospitalizations were reported during week 9, down from 96 hospitalizations reported during week 8. Altogether, 3,188 hospitalizations have been reported season-to-date. The median age of hospitalizations is 80 years (range 0 to 99) years. While the overall number of hospitalizations has plateaued, the proportion of elderly among those hospitalized has increased. The elderly currently account for 23% of all reported cases but nearly 70% of all reported hospitalizations.

· 8 outbreaks of influenza in long term care facilities were reported during week 9, up from 51 reported during week 8. Altogether, 404 outbreaks have been reported season-to-date.

· 10 influenza-related deaths, including 3 deaths in young adults between 25 and 40 years old - were reported last week. Altogether, 170 flu-related deaths have been reported season-to-date - which is by far the most flu-related deaths reported in Pennsylvania in a single season. A majority (>85%) of reported deaths are among the elderly (persons >65 years of age).
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

 

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-10 (Four New Adult Deaths; Total 174)

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-10 (Four New Adult Deaths; Total 174)

Week 10: Regional
4 new adult deaths; total 174 (one of which was pediatric)

· 6.2% of Emergency Department visits reported by PA hospitals were attributed to influenza-like illnesses, down from 6.5% last week and still above baseline (6%).

· 2% of outpatient doctor-visits reported by sentinel physicians were attributed to ILI, down from 2.2% reported last week but still below baseline (2.4%).

· 38,589 lab positive cases have been reported season-to-date. 990 flu cases were reported during week 10, down from 1,364 reported cases (adjusted for late reporting) reported during week 9. Influenza cases continue to be reported in all age groups and regions of the state. More reports of lab positive influenza, hospitalizations and deaths have now been been reported in Pennsylvania this season than any past season since 2003 when Pennsylvania started tracking the flu.

· Influenza viruses were detected in 30% of respiratory samples that were submitted to the state lab for confirmatory testing during week 10, down from 38% reported during week 9.

· Other respiratory viruses that are currently co-circulating with influenza - in order of prevalence - include, respiratory synctial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses and coronavirus.

· At this time, more influenza type B viruses than type A are being reported, it is typical to see an increase in influenza type B viruses after peak season. Influenza type B viruses generally cause milder illness than type A viruses, but can still result in serious complications. Influenza type B is covered by the current vaccine and recent vaccine effectiveness data shows that the vaccine give much better protection against flu typ B viruses than type A viruses (70% vs. 47%).

· 90 flu-related hospitalizations were reported during week 10, down from 77 hospitalizations reported during week 8. Altogether, 3,277 hospitalizations have been reported season-to-date. The median age of hospitalizations is 80 years (range 0 to 99) years. While the overall number of hospitalizations has plateaued, the proportion of elderly among those hospitalized has increased. The elderly currently account for 23% of all reported cases but nearly 70% of all reported hospitalizations.

· 5 outbreaks of influenza in long term care facilities were reported during week 10, down from 8 reported during week 9. Altogether, 409 outbreaks have been reported season-to-date. This is further evidence of the impact influenza can have on the elderly. Vaccinating employees and residents of long term care facilities, along with infection control practices, can limit the impact of influenza. A list of Pennsylvania hospitals and long term care facilities with >90% influenza vaccine coverage among employees can be found at, http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1008994&mode=2.

· 4 influenza-related deaths were reported last week. Altogether, 174 flu-related deaths have been reported season-to-date. A majority (>85%) of reported deaths are among the elderly (persons >65 years of age).
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

 

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-11 (Eight New Deaths; Total 182)

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-11 (Eight New Deaths; Total 182)

Week 11: Regional
8 new deaths; total 182 (one of which includes a pediatric death)

Flu-related Emergency Department visits reported by PA hospitals remain above baseline in the western half of the state.

· 1.9% of outpatient doctor-visits reported by sentinel physicians were attributed to ILI, down from 2% reported last week and still below baseline (2.4%).

· 40,228 lab positive cases have been reported season-to-date. 1,015 flu cases were reported during week 11, down from 1,517 reported cases (adjusted for late reporting) reported during week 10. Influenza cases continue to be reported in all age groups and regions of the state.

· Influenza viruses were detected in 20% of respiratory samples that were submitted to the state lab for confirmatory testing during week 11, down from 30% positivity reported during week 10.

· Other respiratory viruses that are co-circulating with influenza at this time include, respiratory synctial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses and coronavirus.

· At this time, three quarters (76%) of reported influenza viruses are flu type B.

· 100 flu-related hospitalizations were reported during week 11, up from 90 hospitalizations reported during week 10. Altogether, 3,377 hospitalizations have been reported season-to-date. The median age of hospitalizations is 80 years (range 0 to 99) years. While the overall number of hospitalizations has plateaued, the proportion of elderly among those hospitalized has increased. The elderly currently account for 23% of all reported cases but nearly 70% of all reported hospitalizations.

· 8 outbreaks of influenza in long term care facilities were reported during week 11, up from 5 reported during week 10. Altogether, 417 outbreaks have been reported season-to-date.

· 8 influenza-related deaths were reported last week. Altogether, 182 flu-related deaths have been reported season-to-date. A majority (>85%) of reported deaths are among the elderly (persons >65 years of age).
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

 

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-12 (Four New Deaths; Total 186)

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-12 (Four New Deaths; Total 186)

Week 12: Regional
4 new adult deaths; total 186 (1 of which were pediatric)

· Flu-related Emergency Department (ED) visits are now down to baseline levels in most regions of the state. However, flu-related ED visits remain elevated in the western half of the state.

· 1.7% of outpatient doctor-visits reported by sentinel physicians were attributed to ILI, down from 1.9% reported last week and below baseline (2.4%).

· 41,523 lab positive cases have been reported season-to-date. 853 flu cases were reported during week 12, down from 1,453 reported cases (adjusted for late reporting) reported during week 11. Influenza cases continue to be reported in all age groups and regions of the state.

· Influenza viruses were detected in 18% of respiratory samples that were submitted to the state lab for confirmatory testing during week 12, down from 20% positivity reported during week 11.

· Other respiratory viruses that are co-circulating with influenza at this time include, respiratory synctial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses and coronavirus.

· At this time, eighty (82%) of reported influenza viruses are flu type B.

· 111 flu-related hospitalizations were reported during week 12, up from 100 hospitalizations reported during week 12. Altogether, 3,488 hospitalizations have been reported season-to-date. The median age of hospitalizations is 80 years (range 0 to 99) years. While the overall number of hospitalizations has plateaued, the proportion of elderly among those hospitalized has increased. The elderly currently account for 23% of all reported cases but nearly 70% of all reported hospitalizations.

· 5 outbreaks of influenza in long term care facilities were reported during week 12, up from 8 reported during week 11. Altogether, 422 outbreaks have been reported season-to-date.

· 4 influenza-related deaths were reported last week. Altogether, 186 flu-related deaths have been reported season-to-date. A majority (>85%) of reported deaths are among the elderly (persons >65 years of age).
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

 

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-13 (One New Death; Total 187)

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-13 (One New Death; Total 187)

Week 13:
1 new death; total 187 (1 of which were pediatric)

· Flu-related Emergency Department (ED) visits are now down to baseline levels in most regions of the state. However, flu-related ED visits remain elevated in the western half of the state.

· 1.5% of outpatient doctor-visits reported by sentinel physicians were attributed to ILI, down from 1.7% reported last week and below baseline (2.4%).

· 42,397 lab positive cases have been reported season-to-date. 602 flu cases were reported during week 13, down from 1120 reported cases (adjusted for late reporting) reported during week 12. Influenza cases continue to be reported in all age groups and regions of the state.

· Influenza viruses were detected in 17% of respiratory samples that were submitted to the state lab for confirmatory testing during week 13, down from 18% positivity reported during week 12.

· Other respiratory viruses that are co-circulating with influenza at this time include, respiratory synctial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses and coronavirus. Coronavirues are known to cause a majority of common colds in humans.

· A majority (>80%) of circulating flu viruses, at this time, continue to be influenza type B. It is typical to see an increase in influenza type B viruses after peak season, as the season winds down. Influenza type B viruses generally cause milder illness than type A viruses, but can still result in serious complications. A majority (75%) of circulating influenza type B viruses are covered by the current vaccine and recent vaccine effectiveness data shows that the current vaccine gives much better protection against flu type B viruses than type A viruses (70% vs. 47%).


· 62 flu-related hospitalizations were reported during week 13, down from 111 hospitalizations reported during week 12. Altogether, 3,550 hospitalizations have been reported season-to-date. The median age of hospitalizations is 80 years (range 0 to 99) years. While the overall number of hospitalizations has plateaued, the proportion of elderly among those hospitalized has increased. The elderly currently account for 22% of all reported cases but nearly 70% of all reported hospitalizations.

· 5 outbreaks of influenza in long term care facilities were reported during week 13, a similar number was reported during week 12. Altogether, 427 outbreaks have been reported season-to-date.

· One (1) influenza-related deaths were reported last week. Altogether, 187 flu-related deaths have been reported season-to-date. A majority (>85%) of reported deaths are among the elderly (persons >65 years of age).
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

 

[NS1]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-13 (One New Death; Total 187)

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-13 (One New Death; Total 187)

Charts for Pennsylvania Week 13

 

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-14 (Three New Deaths; Total 190)

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-14 (Three New Deaths; Total 190)

Week 14: Regional
3 new deaths; total 190 (1 of which were pediatric)

· Flu-related Emergency Department (ED) visits are now down to baseline in all regions of the state.

· 1.3% of outpatient doctor-visits reported by sentinel physicians were attributed to ILI, down from 1.5% reported last week and below baseline (2.4%).

· There was a slight increase in reported cases in all but the southeastern region of the state last week. 826 flu cases were reported during week 14, up from 602 cases (adjusted for late reporting) reported during week 13. Influenza cases continue to be reported in all age groups and regions of the state. Altogether, 43,227 lab positive cases have been reported season-to-date.

· Influenza viruses were detected in 15% of respiratory samples that were submitted to the state lab for confirmatory testing during week 14, down from 17% positivity reported during week 13.

· Other respiratory viruses that are co-circulating with influenza at this time include, respiratory synctial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses and coronavirus. Coronavirues are known to cause a majority of common colds in humans. Further information on coronaviruses, including differences between flu and these viruses, can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/about/index.html.

· 41 flu-related hospitalizations were reported during week 14, down from 62 hospitalizations reported during week 13. Altogether, 3,591 hospitalizations have been reported season-to-date.

· Altogether, 490 outbreaks of influenza in long term care facilities have been reported this season. A majority of these outbreaks have since resolved; but they involved over 3000 illnesses, more than 100 hospitalizations and about 150 deaths among Pennsylvania seniors.

· Three influenza-related deaths were reported last week. Altogether, 190 flu-related deaths have been reported season-to-date. A majority (>85%) of reported deaths are among the elderly (persons >65 years of age).
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

 

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-15 (Ten New Deaths; Total 200)

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-15 (Ten New Deaths; Total 200)

Week 15: Regional
10 new deaths; total 200 (one of which includes a pediatric death)

? Flu-related Emergency Department (ED) visits are now down to baseline in all regions of the state. However, the season is not yet over - flu related illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths continue to be reported in all regions of the state.

? 1.1% of outpatient doctor-visits reported by sentinel physicians during week 15 were attributed to ILI, down from 1.3% reported last week and below baseline (2.4%).

? There was a slight increase in reported cases in all but the southeastern region of the state last week. 826 flu cases were reported during week 15, up from 602 cases (adjusted for late reporting) reported during week 13. Influenza cases continue to be reported in all age groups and regions of the state. Altogether, 43,829 lab positive cases have been reported season-to-date.

? Influenza viruses were detected in 11% of respiratory samples that were submitted to the state lab for confirmatory testing during week 15, down from 15% positivity reported during week 14. The positivity of respiratory samples is a proxy for disease prevalence - an estimate of how much of the flu-like illnesses we are seeing is actually caused by flu viruses. Because influenza was only detected in less than a fifth (15%) of all persons presenting with ILI, for whom respiratory specimens were submitted to the state lab last week, other respiratory viruses should be considered as possible causes of influenza in persons presenting with flu-like symptoms. It should also be noted that as the prevalence of influenza goes down, rapid diagnostic test kits do not perform as well. Therefore, more accurate tests, including rt-PCR and culture, should be considered for influenza testing.

* The Pennsylvania Department of Health is closely following the outbreak on avian H7N9 in China. At this time, no human infections with this virus have been detected in the United States. PADOH has enhanced surveillance for influenza in persons returning from China, to make sure that any infection is promptly detected and controlled. The most current CDC guidance on H7N9 is posted at, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h7n9-virus.htm.*

? Other respiratory viruses that are co-circulating with influenza at this time include, respiratory synctial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses and coronavirus. Coronavirues are known to cause a majority of common colds in humans.

? 49 flu-related hospitalizations were reported during week 15, down from 41 hospitalizations reported during week 14. Altogether, 3,640 hospitalizations have been reported season-to-date. The median age of hospitalizations is 80 years (range 0 to 99) years.

? Altogether, 490 outbreaks of influenza in long term care facilities have been reported this season. A majority of these outbreaks have since resolved; but they involved over 3000 illnesses, more than 100 hospitalizations and about 150 deaths among Pennsylvania seniors.

? Ten influenza-related deaths were reported last week. Altogether, 200 flu-related deaths have been reported season-to-date. A majority (>85%) of reported deaths are among the elderly (persons >65 years of age).

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2

 

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Pennsylvania 2012-13 Season: Weeks 42-17 (No New Deaths; Total 200)

Week 17: Local
No new deaths; total 200 (one of which includes a pediatric death)

· Flu-related Emergency Department (ED) visits are now down to baseline in all regions of the state. However, the season is not yet over - flu related illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths continue to be reported in all regions of the state.

· 0.9% of outpatient doctor-visits reported by sentinel physicians during week 17 were attributed to ILI, down from 1% reported during week 16 and below baseline (2.4%).

· 147 flu cases were reported during week 17, down from 308 cases (adjusted for late reporting) reported during week 16. Influenza cases continue to be reported in all age groups and regions of the state. Altogether, 44,308 lab positive cases have been reported season-to-date.

· Influenza viruses were detected in 7% of respiratory samples that were submitted to the state lab for confirmatory testing during week 17, down from 10% positivity reported during week 16.

* The Pennsylvania Department of Health is closely following the outbreak on avian H7N9 in China. At this time, no human infections with this virus have been detected in the United States. PADOH has enhanced surveillance for influenza in persons returning from China, to make sure that any 'imported infection with H7N9" is promptly detected and controlled. The most current CDC guidance on H7N9 is posted at, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h7n9-virus.htm.*

· Other respiratory viruses that are co-circulating with influenza at this time include, respiratory synctial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses and coronavirus. Coronavirues are known to cause a majority of common colds in humans. Further information on coronaviruses, including differences between flu and these viruses, can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/about/index.html.

· A majority (>90%) of circulating flu viruses, at this time, continue to be influenza type B. It is typical to see an increase in influenza type B viruses after peak season, as the season winds down. Influenza type B viruses generally cause milder illness than type A viruses, but can still result in serious complications. A majority (80%) of circulating influenza type B viruses are covered by the current vaccine and recent vaccine effectiveness data shows that the current vaccine gives much better protection against flu type B viruses than type A viruses (70% vs. 47%).

· A majority (>90%) of circulating influenza type A viruses continue to be the A/H3N2 subtype, a strain that generally causes severe illness in older age groups. A majority (99%) of circulating viruses (A/H3/N2, H1N1 and flu type B) are similar to strains included in this year's influenza vaccine. Even though recent data shows that the elderly did not mount effective immunity from the vaccine, vaccination remains the best protection we have against influenza. Influenza vaccination prevents up to 50% influenza illness in persons under 65 years of age which in turn reduces the likelihood of transmission to older persons. Further, vaccination is known to reduce the duration and severity of illness - if a vaccinated person gets the flu. Because there is still a lot of flu activity and the season is not over, it is still not too late to get vaccinated against influenza.

· The state lab can now monitor influenza viruses for sensitivity to antiviral medications. Nearly all viruses tested so far are sensitive to current antiviral medications. During week 7, the state lab detected an influenza A/H1N1 virus which was resistant to Tamiflu. No additional viruses of this nature have been detected in Pennsylvania; suggesting that nearly all circulating A/H1N1 viruses remain sensitive to Tamiflu.

· 17 flu-related hospitalizations were reported during week 17, down from 21 hospitalizations reported during week 16. Altogether, 3,686 hospitalizations have been reported season-to-date. The median age of hospitalizations is 80 years (range 0 to 99) years. While the overall number of hospitalizations has plateaued, the proportion of elderly among those hospitalized has increased. The elderly currently account for 22% of all reported cases but nearly 70% of all reported hospitalizations.

· Altogether, 490 outbreaks of influenza in long term care facilities have been reported this season.

· Ten influenza-related deaths were reported last week. Altogether, 200 flu-related deaths have been reported season-to-date. A majority (>85%) of reported deaths are among the elderly (persons >65 years of age).
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2