Infectious Diseases

Weekly influenza reports 2007/08

Influenza Reports for 2007/08

 

Season Summary - Reporting period: Week 40/07 to week 20/08 (01/10/07 - 18/05/08) - published week 32 (31/07/08)

The United Kingdon experienced the eighth consecutive year of low levels of influenza activity during the 2007/08 season. Clinical activity peaked in England and Scotland in week 02/08, in Wales in week 03/08 and in Northern Ireland in week 05/08. In Scotland and England, the GP consultation rate for influenza-like illness (ILI) reached the baseline threshold for one and two weeks respectively. Rates remained at baseline levels for the duration of the season in Wales and there are currently no thresholds of activity set for Northern Ireland. Influenza A was the predominant circulating virus although influenza B circulated later in the season. Of those influenza viruses characterised, the majority of influenza detections (60%) were A/Solomon Island/3/2006 (H1N1)-like viruses followed by B/Florida/4/2006-like viruses (36%).
Twenty-five outbreaks of acute respiratory illness (ARI) in closed settings were reported to CfI from across the UK. Of the twenty that were virologically confirmed as influenza, eighteen were confirmed as influenza B. Thirteen of these outbreaks were in care homes and they continued to be reported late into the season (week 17/08). In January 2008, there was an avian influenza H5N1 outbreak in wild birds in Dorset and in June 2008, there was an avian influenza H7 outbreak in chickens in Oxfordshire.

Oseltamivir resistant influenza A (H1N1)

Surveillance data of the antiviral drug susceptibility of influenza viruses circulating in the UK during the 2007/08 season showed that 11% (38/347) of A(H1N1) tested viruses were resistant to oseltamivir. These viruses retain sensitivity to zanamivir, amantadine and rimantadine. To date, resistant viruses have been detected in 22 European countries, including the UK. They have also been detected elsewhere outside of Europe. More information for the European situation is available at:

http://ecdc.europa.eu/Health_topics/influenza/antivirals.html and global data is on the WHO web site at:

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/h1n1_table/en/index.html.

Season Summary 2007-08 (PDF, 155 KB)

 

Report 22- Reporting period: Weeks 18 & 19 (28/04/08 - 11/05/08) - published week 20 (14/05/08)

During weeks 18/08 and 19/08, influenza activity decreased in England and remained at about the same level in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Activity is still at baseline levels in England, Scotland and Wales; thresholds have not been set for Northern Ireland. Of the samples referred to the Centre for Infections’ Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) during weeks 18/08 and 19/08, a total of four were positive for influenza A(H3) and six were positive for influenza B. During these weeks, two outbreaks of laboratory confirmed influenza B were reported. Influenza activity has returned to levels seen outside the winter period throughout Europe.
The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to report on new cases of human infection with A(H5N1) avian influenza; the total number of confirmed human infections worldwide with H5N1, since December 2003, is 382 of which 241 (63%) have died.

Oseltamivir resistant influenza A (H1N1)

Surveillance data of the antiviral drug susceptibility of influenza viruses circulating in the UK has shown that 10.9% (37/341) of A(H1N1) tested viruses are resistant to oseltamivir. These viruses retain sensitivity to zanamivir, amantadine and rimantadine. To date, resistant viruses have been detected in 19 European countries, including the UK. They have also been detected elsewhere outside of Europe. More information for the European situation is available at http://ecdc.europa.eu/Health_topics/influenza/antivirals.html and global data is on the WHO web site at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/h1n1_table/en/index.html.

This is the last full report of the season. A short summary will be published next week and a report summarising influenza activity during the 2007/08 season will be published shortly there after.

Report22 week20 (PDF, 133 KB)

Report 21- Reporting period: Weeks 16 & 17 (14/04/08 - 27/04/08) - published week 18 (30/04/08)

During weeks 16/08 and 17/08, influenza activity decreased in England and Wales, increased in Northern Irealnd and remained at about the same level in Scotland. Activity is still at baseline levels in England, Scotland and Wales; thresholds have not been set for Northern Ireland. None of the samples referred to the Centre for Infections’ Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) during week 17/08 were positive for influenza.

Influenza activity has returned to levels seen outside the winter period throughout Europe.

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to report on new cases of human infection with A(H5N1) avian influenza; the total number of confirmed human infections worldwide with H5N1, since December 2003, is 381 of which 240 (63%) have died.

Oseltamivir resistant influenza A (H1N1)

Surveillance data of the antiviral drug susceptibility of influenza viruses circulating in the UK has shown that 10.6% (35/331) of A(H1N1) tested viruses are resistant to oseltamivir. These viruses retain sensitivity to zanamivir, amantadine and rimantadine. To date, resistant viruses have been detected in 19 European countries, including the UK. They have also been detected elsewhere outside of Europe. More information for the European situation is available at http://ecdc.europa.eu/Health_topics/influenza/antivirals.html and global data is on the WHO web site at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/h1n1_table/en/index.html.

Report 21 week 18 (PDF, 132 KB)

Report 20- Reporting period: Week 15 (07/04/08 - 13/04/08) - published week 16 (16/04/08)
During week 15/08, influenza activity decreased in England and Northern Ireland and remained at about the same level in Scotland and Wales. Activity is still at baseline levels in England, Scotland and Wales; thresholds have not been set for Northern Ireland. Of the samples referred to the Centre for Infections’ Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) during week 15/08, one was positive for influenza A(H1), one for influenza A(H3) and three for influenza B. Influenza activity has returned to low levels throughout Europe. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to report on new cases of human infection with A(H5N1) avian influenza; the total number of confirmed human infections worldwide with H5N1, since December 2003, is 380 of which 240 (63%) have died. Oseltamivir resistant influenza A (H1N1) Surveillance data of the antiviral drug susceptibility of influenza viruses circulating in the UK has shown that 10.6% (35/331) of A(H1N1) tested viruses are resistant to oseltamivir. These viruses retain sensitivity to zanamivir, amantadine and rimantadine. To date, resistant viruses have been detected in 19 European countries, including the UK. They have also been detected elsewhere outside of Europe. More information for the European situation is available at http://ecdc.europa.eu/Health_topics/influenza/antivirals.html and global data is on the WHO web site at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/h1n1_table/en/index.html. 

Report 20 Week 16 (PDF, 132 KB)

Report 19 - Reporting period: Weeks 13 & 14 (24/03/08 - 06/04/08) - published week 15 (09/04/08)

During weeks 13/08 and 14/08, influenza activity increased in England and Northern Irealnd and remained at about the same level in Scotland and Wales. Activity is still at baseline levels in England, Scotland and Wales; thresholds have not been set for Northern Ireland. Of the samples referred to the Centre for Infections’ Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) during week 14/08, only two were positive for influenza B; in week 13/08 five were positive for influenza B and one for influenza A(H3). In Europe, influenza activity has returned to low levels in all countries.

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to report on new cases of human infection with A(H5N1) avian influenza; the total number of confirmed human infections worldwide with H5N1, since December 2003, is 379 of which 239 (63%) have died.

Oseltamivir resistant influenza A (H1N1)

Surveillance data of the antiviral drug susceptibility of influenza viruses circulating in the UK has shown that 10.6% (35/331) (updated figure) of A(H1N1) tested viruses are resistant to oseltamivir. These viruses retain sensitivity to zanamivir, amantadine and rimantadine. To date, resistant viruses have been detected in 19 European countries, including the UK, and elsewhere outside of Europe. More information on the European situation is available at http://ecdc.europa.eu/Health_topics/influenza/antivirals.html and global data is on the WHO web site at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/h1n1_table/en/index.html.
report19 week 15 (PDF, 132 KB)

Report 18 - Reporting period: Weeks 11 & 12 (10/03/08 - 23/03/08) - published week 13 (26/03/08)

During weeks 11/08 and 12/08, influenza activity decreased in England and remained at about the same level in Scotland and Wales. Clinical data for Northern Ireland are currently unavailable. Activity is at baseline levels in England, Scotland and Wales. Of the samples referred to the Centre for Infections’ Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) during week 12/08, two were positive for influenza A(H3) and three were positive for influenza B; in week 11/08 six were positive for influenza B and one for influenza A(H1). Elsewhere in Europe, most countries reported a low intensity of influenza activity, with only Belgium, Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Norway, Romania and Sweden reporting clinical influenza activity above the baseline level.

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to report on new cases of human infection with A(H5N1) avian influenza; the total number of confirmed human infections worldwide with H5N1, since December 2003, is 373 of which 236 (63%) have died.

Oseltamivir resistant influenza A (H1N1)

Surveillance data of the antiviral drug susceptibility of influenza viruses circulating in the UK has shown that 9.2% of A(H1N1) viruses tested this season are resistant to oseltamivir. These viruses retain sensitivity to zanamivir, amantadine and rimantadine. To date, resistant viruses have been detected in 19 European countries, including the UK, and in the USA, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong. More information on the European situation is available at http://ecdc.europa.eu/Health_topics/influenza/antivirals.html and global data is on the WHO web site at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/h1n1_table/en/index.html.

report18 week13 (PDF, 132 KB)

Report 17 - Reporting period: Week 10 (03/03/08 - 09/03/08) - published week 11 (12/03/08)

During week 10/08, influenza activity decreased in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and remained at about the same level in Scotland. Activity is at baseline levels in England, Scotland and Wales; thresholds for Northern Ireland have not been set. Of the samples referred to the Centre for Infection’s Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) during this week, influenza B continues to account for the majority of detections although the numbers are low. Elsewhere in Europe, there was medium influenza activity in 15 countries and in most countries influenza activity is declining or at a similar level compared to previous weeks. The proportion of influenza B has steadily increased through Europe since week 01/08 and accounts for 55% of the total number of positive specimens.
The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to report on new cases of human infection with A(H5N1) avian influenza; the total number of confirmed human infections worldwide with H5N1, since December 2003, is 372 of which 235 (63%) have died.

Oseltamivir resistant influenza A (H1N1)

Surveillance data of the antiviral drug susceptibility of influenza viruses circulating in the UK has shown that 9.2% (updated figure) of A(H1N1) tested viruses are resistant to oseltamivir. These viruses retain sensitivity to zanamivir, amantadine and rimantadine. To date, resistant viruses have been detected in 15 European countries, including the UK and in the USA, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong. More information on the European situation is available at http://ecdc.europa.eu/Health_topics/influenza/antivirals.html and global data is on the WHO web site at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/h1n1_table/en/index.html.

report17 week11 (PDF, 132 KB)

Report 16 - Reporting period: Week 09 (25/02/08 - 02/03/08) - published week 10 (06/03/08)

During week 09/08, influenza activity increased in England and Northern Ireland and remained at about the same level in Scotland and Wales. Activity is at baseline levels in England, Scotland and Wales; thresholds for Northern Ireland have not been set. Of the samples referred to the Centre for Infection’s Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) during this week, influenza B continues to account for the majority of detections although the numbers are low. Elsewhere in Europe, there was medium influenza activity in 16 countries and in most countries influenza activity is unchanged or declining compared to previous weeks. The proportion of influenza B has steadily increased through Europe since week 01/08 and accounts for 49% of the total number of positive specimens.
The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to report on new cases of human infection with A(H5N1) avian influenza; the total number of confirmed human infections worldwide with H5N1, since December 2003, is 370 of which 235 (64%) have died.

Oseltamivir resistant influenza A (H1N1)

Surveillance data of the antiviral drug susceptibility of influenza viruses circulating in the UK has shown that 9.2% (updated figure) of A(H1N1) tested viruses are resistant to oseltamivir. These viruses retain sensitivity to zanamivir, amantadine and rimantadine. To date, resistant viruses have been detected in 15 European countries, including the UK and in the USA, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong. More information for the European situation is available at http://ecdc.europa.eu/Health_topics/influenza/antivirals.html and on the WHO web site for global data at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/h1n1_table/en/index.html.

report16 week1008 (PDF, 132 KB)

Report 15 - Reporting period: Week 08 (18/02/08 - 24/02/08) - published week 09 (27/02/08)

During week 08/08, influenza activity decreased in Scotland and remained at about the same level in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Activity is at baseline levels in England, Scotland and Wales; thresholds for Northern Ireland have not been set. Of the samples referred to the Centre for Infection’s Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) during this week, influenza B continues to account for the majority of detections. All influenza B viruses isolated this season belong to the B/Yamagata lineage (B/Florida/42006-like viruses). These viruses are different from the B/Victoria lineage (B/Malaysia-like virus) which is included in the 2007/08 vaccine. Although this “mismatch” in the B component may reduce the vaccine’s effectiveness, some protection is still likely. Elsewhere in Europe, there was medium influenza activity in 18 countries; in most countries influenza activity is unchanging or declining, but increasing influenza activity was reported for four countries (Estonia, Germany, Norway and Slovenia). Influenza B accounts for an increasing proportion of virus detections in Europe.
The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to report on new cases of human infection with A(H5N1) avian influenza; the total number of confirmed human infections worldwide with H5N1, since December 2003, is 368 of which 234 (64%) have died.

Oseltamivir resistant influenza A (H1N1)

Surveillance data of the antiviral drug susceptibility of influenza viruses circulating in the UK has shown that 9.1% of A(H1N1) tested viruses are resistant to oseltamivir. These viruses retain sensitivity to zanamivir, amantadine and rimantadine. To date, resistant viruses have been detected in 15 European countries, including the UK and in the USA, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong. More information for the European situation is available at
http://ecdc.europa.eu/Health_topics/influenza/antivirals.html and on the WHO web site for global data:
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/h1n1_table/en/index.html.

report15 week0908 (PDF, 131 KB)

Report 14 - Reporting period: Week 07 (11/02/08 - 17/02/08) - published week 08 (20/02/08)

During week 07/08, influenza activity decreased in Northern Ireland and remained at about the same level in England, Scotland and Wales. Activity is at baseline levels in England, Scotland and Wales; thresholds for Northern Ireland have not been set. Of the samples referred to the Centre for Infection’s Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) during this week, two tested positive for influenza A(H1), fifteen for influenza B and one for respiratory syncitial virus (RSV). Elsewhere in Europe, influenza activity was high in only one country (Bulgaria), medium in 18 and low in ten other countries.
The Ministry of Health in Viet Nam confirmed a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza on 15 February. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the total number of confirmed human infections worldwide with H5N1, since December 2003, is 361 of which 227 (63%) have died.

Oseltamivir resistant influenza A (H1N1)

Preliminary surveillance data of the antiviral drug susceptibility of influenza viruses circulating in the UK has shown that 9.5% of A(H1N1) tested viruses are resistant to oseltamivir. These viruses retain sensitivity to zanamivir, amantadine and rimantadine. To date, resistant viruses have been detected in 14 European countries, including the UK and in the USA, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong. More information for the European situation is available at
http://ecdc.europa.eu/Health_topics/influenza/antivirals.html and on the WHO web site for global data:
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/h1n1_table/en/index.html. Further updates on the UK situation will be published on the HPA website.

report14 week08 (PDF, 133 KB)

Report 13 - Reporting period: Week 06 (04/02/08 - 10/02/08) - published week 07 (13/02/08)

During week 06/08, influenza activity decreased in Scotland and Northern Ireland and remained at about the same low level in Wales and England. Activity is at baseline levels in England, Scotland and Wales; thresholds for Northern Ireland have not been set. Of the samples referred to the Centre for Infection’s Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) during this week, 4 tested positive for influenza A(H1), five for B and one for respiratory syncitial virus (RSV). Elsewhere in Europe influenza activity is high in only one country (Bulgaria), medium in 20 and low in eight other countries.
The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced one new case of human infection with H5N1 avian influenza; she is the daughter of a previously confirmed case. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the total number of confirmed human infections worldwide with H5N1, since December 2003, is 360 of which 226 (63%) have died.

Oseltamivir resistance in European Influenza viruses

Preliminary data from antiviral susceptibility testing against seasonal influenza published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on 07 February 2008 has shown that 151 (20%) of 755 influenza A (H1N1) viruses isolated between November 2007 and January 2008 from 19 European countries have evidence of resistance to oseltamivir (http://ecdc.europa.eu/Health_topics/influenza/antivirals.html). To date, oseltamivir-resistant viruses have been detected in nine countries. A small number of samples identified by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in the UK (12 (6.6%) out of 181) have shown this resistance to the drug. These viruses however, remain sensitive to the antivirals zanamivir and amantadine. Although this is an important finding, it is too early to assess the clinical significance until more research is completed. There is also evidence of resistance to oseltamivir in influenza viruses isolated from regions outside of Europe, including North America.

report13 Week07 (PDF, 131 KB)

Report 12 - Reporting period: Week 05 (28/01/08 - 03/02/08) - republished week 06 (08/02/08)

During week 05/08, influenza activity decreased in Scotland, Wales and England and remained at about the same level in Northern Ireland. Activity is at baseline levels in England, Scotland and Wales; thresholds for Northern Ireland have not been set. Of the samples referred to the Centre for Infection’s Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) during this week, 14 tested positive for influenza A(H1), two for A(H3), two for B and one for respiratory syncitial virus (RSV). Elsewhere in Europe there was medium or high influenza activity in 18 countries.

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced two new cases of human infection with H5N1 avian influenza (one of which has died) and the death of two previously confirmed cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the total number of confirmed human infections worldwide with H5N1, since December 2003, is 359 of which 226 (63%) have died.

Oseltamivir resistance in European Influenza viruses - Updated figures.

Preliminary data from antiviral susceptibility testing against seasonal influenza published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on 07 February 2008 has shown that 151 (20%) of 755 influenza A (H1N1) viruses isolated between November 2007 and January 2008 from 19 European countries have evidence of resistance to oseltamivir. To date, oseltamivir-resistant viruses have been detected in nine countries. A small number of samples identified by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in the UK (12 (6.6%) out of 181) have shown this resistance to the drug. These viruses however, remain sensitive to the antivirals zanamivir and amantadine. Although this is an important finding, it is too early to assess the clinical significance until more research is completed.

Report12 week06 (PDF, 131 KB)


Report 11: Reporting period: Week 04 (21/01/08 - 27/01/08) - published week 05 (30/01/08)

During week 04/08, influenza activity decreased in Scotland and England and remained at about the same level in Northern Ireland and decreased in Wales. Activity is at baseline levels in England, Scotland and Wales; thresholds for Northern Ireland have not been set. Of the samples referred to the Centre for Infection’s Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) during this week, 10 tested positive for influenza A(H1), none for A(H3), one for B and one for respiratory syncitial virus (RSV). Elsewhere in Europe there was medium or high influenza activity in 16 countries.

The Ministry of Health in Indonesia has confirmed an additional four cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus (two of which were fatal) and the death of a previously confirmed case of H5N1. The Ministry of Health in Vietnam has confirmed the death of a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the total number of confirmed human infections worldwide with H5N1, since December 2003, is 357 of which 223 (62%) have died.

Oseltamivir resistance in European Influenza viruses

Preliminary data from antiviral susceptibility testing against seasonal influenza published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on 27 January has shown that 19 (13%) of 148 influenza A (H1N1) viruses isolated during November and December from 10 European countries have evidence of resistance to oseltamivir. A very small number of samples identified by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in the UK have shown this resistance to the drug (two out of 75). These viruses however, remain sensitive to the antivirals zanamivir and amantadine. Although this is an important finding, it is too early to assess the clinical significance until more research is completed.

report 11 week 05 (PDF, 131 KB)

Report 10: Reporting period: Week 03 (14/01/08 - 20/01/08) - published week 04 (23/01/08)

During week 03/08, influenza activity decreased in Scotland, Northern Ireland and England and remained at about the same level in Wales. Activity has returned to baseline levels in both England and Scotland and remains at baseline levels in Wales. Of the samples referred to the Centre for Infection’s Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) during this week, 21 tested positive for influenza A(H1), two for A(H3), three for B and two for respiratory syncitial virus (RSV). Elsewhere in Europe there is currently increased influenza activity (but within expected seasonal limits) in the following, mainly western European countries: Austria, Bulgaria, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland. All other countries report low levels of influenza activity.

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced two deaths in humans from infection with H5N1 avian influenza: an 8-year-old male from Tangerang District, Banten Province (a newly identified case) died in an avian influenza (AI) referral hospital on 18 January; a 16-year-old female from West Java Province, who had previously been confirmed as a case of H5N1 infection, died on 15 January 2008. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the total number of confirmed human infections worldwide with H5N1, since December 2003, is 351 of which 219 (62%) have died.

report 10 week 04 (PDF, 125 KB)

Report 09: Reporting period: Week 02 (07/01/08 - 13/01/08) - published week 03 (16/01/08)

Please note that clinical and virological data for week 02/08 may be affected by the seasonal holidays.
During week 02/08, influenza activity increased in Scotland and Northern Ireland while remaining stable in England and Wales. Activity remains above baseline levels in England and has increased above baseline levels in Scotland (triggering the use of antivirals for the treatment and prevention of influenza). Activity in Wales is below the baseline threshold while Northern Ireland has no set thresholds at present. Of the samples referred to the Centre for Infections’ Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) during this week, 34 tested positive for influenza A(H1), one for A(H3), four for B and one for respiratory syncitial virus (RSV). Elsewhere in Europe there is currently increased influenza activity in Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland; in France and Portugal levels of influenza activity are around the baseline threshold; all other countries report low levels of influenza activity.
The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced two new confirmed cases of H5N1 infection, one of which has died. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Indonesia to 118 cases, of which 95 have been fatal. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the total number of confirmed human infections worldwide with H5N1, since December 2003, is 350 of which 217 (62%) have died.

report 09 week 03 (PDF, 124 KB)

Report 08: Reporting period: Week 01 (31/12/07 - 06/01/08) - published week 02 (09/01/08)

Please note that clinical and virological data for week 01/08 may be affected by the seasonal holidays.

During week 01/08, influenza activity increased throughout the UK. Activity has increased above baseline levels in England but remains at baseline levels in Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland has no set thresholds at present. Of the samples referred to the Centre for Infections’ Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) during this week, 45 tested positive for influenza A(H1), one for A(H3), five for B and one for respiratory syncitial virus (RSV). There were twice the number of influenza positives in week 01/08 than 52/07. Levels of influenza activity remain low in most countries across Europe, at levels normally seen outside the seasonal influenza peak period. Only Spain reported a medium intensity of influenza activity.

The Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt announced the death of a previously confirmed case of H5N1 infection and the death of two new cases. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Egypt to date to 43, of which 19 have been fatal. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the total number of confirmed human infections worldwide with H5N1, since December 2003, is 348 of which 216 (62%) have died.

News: Influenza Season 2007/08 – Use of Antivirals

The most recent surveillance data available to us indicates that the overall rate of influenza reports has exceeded the threshold at which the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on the use of antiviral drugs are triggered. Much of the activity is of influenza type H1. The use of antiviral drugs for the prevention or treatment of influenza is now recommended. For more information please visit: http://www.info.doh.gov.uk/doh/embroadcast.nsf

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Report 07: Reporting period: Weeks 51 & 52 (17/12/07 - 30/12/07) - republished week 01 (04/01/08)

Please note that clinical and virological data for week 52/07 may be affected by the seasonal holidays.
During weeks 51/07 and 52/07, influenza activity increased in Scotland, decreased slightly in England and Northern Ireland and remained stable in Wales. Countries with baseline activity thresholds are below this level. The national proportion of NHS Direct fever calls (5-14yrs) for England and Wales increased above set baseline levels in week 51/07 indicating a rise in influenza and influenza-like illness in the community. Of the samples referred to the Centre for Infections’ Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) during these weeks, 48 tested positive for influenza A(H1), one for A(H3), three for B and two for respiratory syncitial virus (RSV). Levels of influenza activity remain low in most countries across Europe and at levels normally seen outside the seasonal influenza peak period.
The first case of human infection with H5N1 avian influenza in Pakistan has been confirmed. At the request of the Pakistan Government, a WHO team travelled to Pakistan to participate with national authorities in the ongoing investigations of several suspected cases of human H5N1 infections. In addition, the Ministry of Health in Vietnam has confirmed a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza and the Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt has announced two new cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the total number of confirmed human infections worldwide with H5N1, since December 2003, is 346 of which 213 (62%) have died.

report 07 week 01 (PDF, 123 KB)

Report 06: Reporting period: Week 50 (10/12/07 - 16/12/07) - published week 51 (20/12/07)

During week 50/07, clinical influenza activity remained low in the UK, increasing in Scotland and Northern Ireland, decreasing slightly in England and remaining stable in Wales. Countries with baseline activity thresholds are below this level. Of the samples referred to the Centre for Infections’ Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU), 16 tested positive for influenza A(H1) and three for respiratory syncitial virus (RSV) during these weeks. In Europe, levels of influenza activity remain low and at levels normally seen outside the seasonal influenza peak period.

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced the death of a previously confirmed case of H5N1 infection. The 47-year-old male from Tangerang District in Banten Province died on 13 December. The Ministry of Health in Pakistan has informed WHO of 8 suspected human cases of H5N1 avian influenza infection in the Peshawar area of the country. The Ministry of Health in Myanmar has confirmed the country’s first case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The case is a 7-year-old female from Kyaing Tone Township, Shan State (East).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the total number of confirmed human infections worldwide with H5N1, since December 2003, is 340 of which 209 (61%) have died.

report 06 week 51 (PDF, 122 KB)

Report 05: Reporting period: Weeks 48& 49 (26/11/07 - 09/12/07) - published week 50 (12/12/07)

During weeks 48/07 and 49/07, clinical influenza activity remained low in the UK, increasing in England and Northern Ireland and remaining stable in Wales and Scotland. Countries with baseline activity thresholds are below this level. Of the samples referred to the Centre for Infections’ Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU), twenty six tested positive for influenza A(H1), three for influenza A(H3), two for influenza B and three for respiratory syncitial virus (RSV) during these weeks. In Europe, levels of influenza activity remain low and at levels normally seen outside the seasonal influenza peak period.

On the 9 December 2007 the Ministry of Health in China reported a new case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus in Jiangsu Province. The case had been confirmed by the national laboratory on 6 December. The 52-year old male is the father of the 24-year old man who died from H5N1 infection on 2 December 2007. He is one of the close contacts placed under medical observation by national authorities. He developed symptoms on 3 December and was sent immediately to hospital for treatment. Of the 27 cases confirmed to date in China, 17 have been fatal.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the total number of confirmed human infections worldwide with H5N1, since December 2003, is 337 of which 207 (61%) have died.

report 05 week 50 (PDF, 122 KB)

Report 04: Reporting period: Weeks 46 & 47 (12/11/07 - 25/11/07) - published week 48 (28/11/07)

During weeks 46/07 and 47/07, clinical influenza activity remained low in the UK, increasing in England and Scotland and remaining stable in Northern Ireland. Countries with baseline activity thresholds are below this level. Five samples referred to the Centre for Infections’ Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) tested positive for influenza A(H1) during these weeks. In Europe, levels of influenza activity remain low at levels normally seen outside the seasonal influenza peak period, with 30 countries reporting no or only sporadic influenza activity

On the 21 November the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) decided, as part of its epidemiological investigation into the outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza on a poulty farm in Suffolk, that a fifth premises in the surveillance zone should be declared as a Dangerous Contact. All poultry on this premises will be culled as a precautionary measure.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the total number of confirmed human infections of H5N1 worldwide, since December 2003, is 335 of which 206 (61%) have died.

report 04 week 48 (PDF, 118 KB)

Report 03: Reporting period: Weeks 44 & 45 (29/10/07 - 11/11/07) - published week 46 (14/11/07)

During weeks 44/07 and 45/07, clinical influenza activity remained low in the UK: decreasing slightly in England, increasing in Scotland and Northern Irealnd and remaining stable in Wales. Countries with baseline activity thresholds are below this level. Two samples referred to the Centre for Infections' Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) tested positive for influenza A(H1) in week 44/07. In Europe, levels of influenza activity are currently low with 26 countries reporting no or only sporadic influenza activity this week.

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 31-year-old male from the Bengkalis District, Riau Province developed symptoms on 31 October, was hospitalized on 3 November and died in an avian influenza referral hospital on 6 November.

Respiratory Syncitial Virus activity seems to be at higher levels than the same period in recent seasons, as suggested by several indices: laboratory data, RCGP acute bronchitis rate in the

The Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed H5N1 avian influenza on a poultry farm near Diss, on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. The results were laboratory confirmed by experts at Animal Health. The affected premises were put under restriction on Monday (12th November) and, as required under EU legislation, Defra has commenced a cull of the 6,500 remaining poultry on the infected premises and imposed a 3-kilometre protection zone and a 10-kilometre outer surveillance zone around the farm area. This is to prevent further spread to neighbouring flocks and or farms. Following initial epidemiological work and veterinary assessment by Defra, four further premises have been identified as Dangerous Contacts. As a precautionary measure, there will now be culls on four further sites in the region that have links with the index farm to prevent possible further spread of the disease.

report 03 week 46 (PDF, 119 KB)

Report 02: Reporting period: Weeks 42 & 43 (15/10/07 - 28/10/07) - published week 44 (31/10/07)

During weeks 42/07 and 43/07, clinical influenza activity in England and Wales remains low and stable while a slight increase was seen in Scotland and a slight decrease in Northern Ireland.Countries with baseline activity thresholds are below this level. No samples referred to the Centre for Infections' Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) tested positive for influenza and one tested positive for RSV in week 42/07. In Europe, levels of influenza activity are currently low with 26 countries reporting no or only sporadic influenza activity this week.
The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 5-year-old female from the Tangerang District, Banten Province developed symptoms on 14 October, was hospitalized on 20 October and died in an AI referral hospital on 22 October. The investigation found that there were poultry deaths in the case's neighborhood in the two weeks prior to her onset of symptoms.Of the 110 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 89 have been fatal.The total number of confirmed human infections worldwide, since December 2003, is 332 of which 204 (61%) have died.

report02 week44 (PDF, 116 KB)

Report 01: Reporting period: Weeks 40 & 41 (01/10/07 - 14/10/07) - published week 42 (17/10/07)

During week 41/07, clinical influenza activity in England and the rest of the UK has remained low and stable; countries with baseline activity thresholds are below this level. Two samples referred to the Centre for Infections' Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) tested positive for influenza A (both H1 subtype). Seasonal influenza activity reporting by the Europeam Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS) has not yet begun.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 12-year-old male from Tangerang District in Banten Province developed symptoms on 30 September and is currently in hospital. The investigation team found that he had direct contact with dead chickens near his school in the days before his illness. Of the 109 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 87 have been fatal. The total number of confirmed human infections worldwide, since December 2003, is 331 of which 202 (61%) have died.

report01 week42 (PDF, 116 KB)


Last reviewed: 2 October 2008



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