Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report | Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC

Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report | Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC

2015-2016 Influenza Season Week 7 ending February 20, 2016

Synopsis:

During week 7 (February 14-20, 2016), influenza activity increased in the United States.

• Viral Surveillance: The most frequently identified influenza virus type reported by public health laboratories during week 7 was influenza A, with influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 viruses predominating. The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza in clinical laboratories increased.
• Pneumonia and Influenza Mortality: The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was below their system-specific epidemic threshold in both the NCHS Mortality Surveillance System and the 122 Cities Mortality Reporting System.
• Influenza-associated Pediatric Deaths: One influenza-associated pediatric death was reported.
• Influenza-associated Hospitalizations: A cumulative rate for the season of 5.8 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations per 100,000 population was reported.
• Outpatient Illness Surveillance: The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) was 3.2%, which is above the national baseline of 2.1%. All 10 regions reported ILI at or above region-specific baseline levels. Puerto Rico and six states experienced high ILI activity; New York City and six states experienced moderate ILI activity; 13 states experienced low ILI activity; 24 states experienced minimal ILI activity; and the District of Columbia and one state had insufficient data.
• Geographic Spread of Influenza: The geographic spread of influenza in Guam, Puerto Rico, and 21 states was reported as widespread; 18 states reported regional activity; the District of Columbia and 10 states reported local activity; and the U.S. Virgin Islands and one state reported sporadic activity.