2009-2010 influenza surveillance summaries

• Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness have been increasing since the beginning of September and exceed levels observed during the spring H1N1 outbreak. ED visit counts are highest among those ages 5-17 and 18-44.
• Hospital admissions for 2009 H1N1 flu also currently exceed levels seen at the height of the spring outbreak; the number of reported hospitalizations remained relatively stable from week 42 to 43. One confirmed death due to 2009 H1N1 was reported this week in a woman who had been hospitalized since mid-October.
• The number of specimens submitted and number testing positive for flu through our outpatient surveillance system decreased slightly during week 43 compared to the previous week.
• Local hospital laboratories have reported increased requests for rapid flu testing, and an increased proportion testing positive for flu for the past several weeks.
• The proportion of deaths due to pneumonia and influenza has been below the epidemic threshold since mid-September.
• Several long-term care facilities have reported cases of influenza-like illness in their facilities.
• School absenteeism has been increasing among elementary aged children in recent weeks and remains relatively stable among middle and high school aged children.

See current surveillance and testing guidelines for 2009 H1N1 influenza.