| Health Update -- March 24, 2006
King County Influenza Activity
Several indicators in Public Health’s influenza surveillance system are showing significant “late season” influenza A and influenza B activity. Health care providers should be aware of the continued circulation of influenza A and B when evaluating persons with influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and for management of persons with ILI symptoms in triage areas and clinic waiting rooms.
Sentinel provider data: After an initial peak in activity due to influenza A in mid-December, King County influenza sentinel surveillance providers have submitted an increasing number of specimens from persons with ILI since the last week of February, with a corresponding increase in culture confirmed influenza A and influenza B cases. Influenza B was first noted in early February and has increased in March. To compare this year’s influenza season with previous seasons, please visit Public Health’s influenza activity web site.
Emergency department syndromic surveillance data: For the month of March to-date, the proportion of ED visits due to ILI has increased in comparison with the proportion for January and February, and has surpassed the previous peak in ILI visits reported in December. The current increase in visits for ILI is noted particularly among 5-17 year olds. Hospital admissions for pneumonia peaked in December and have been declining since that time.
School absenteeism: Reports have also increased to the highest levels this season since March 12th.
Long term care facility (LTCF) surveillance: One LTCF reported an influenza outbreak in the past week.
Significant influenza activity extending into the Spring is not unusual and highlights the importance of ongoing administration of influenza vaccine throughout the season to persons at risk for influenza-related complications and others who wish to avoid influenza infection, and of adherence to respiratory hygiene measures at all times. After an early bottleneck in vaccine distribution, adequate supplies of influenza vaccine are available (and can be obtained if necessary from wholesale distributors).
For information on influenza activity locally, please see Public Health’s influenza activity web site.
For additional influenza information and resources, including on use of antiviral drugs and outbreak control guidelines, please see the CDC web site.
For persons wanting to make an appointment for influenza vaccination at Public Health influenza vaccination clinics, call: 206-296-4949.
To receive health alerts through Public Health’s e-mail information system, send a message to Maybelle.Tamura@metrokc.gov with your name, practice type and location, and your e-mail address.
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