Winter health watch summary: 19 February 2015
Published 26 March 2015
1. Summary
1.1 Cold Weather alert
All regions in England are currently at a Level 1 Cold Weather Alert.
Prior level 2 and 3 cold weather alert periods this season have occurred from 12 January to 8 February 2015, 25 to 31 December 2014 and 11 to 13 December 2014.
1.2 Syndromic surveillance
Syndromic Surveillance report that there have been small increases in diarrhoea and vomiting indicators during week 7.
1.3 Flu
In week 7 2015 (ending 15 February), influenza continues to circulate with activity levels generally similar to last week. The Department of Health alert issued on the prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs is still active.
1.4 Norovirus
Laboratory reports of norovirus in the current season are 8% lower overall compared to the 5 year seasonal average (from season 2009 and 2010 to season 2013 and 2014). Currently laboratory reports are at similar levels compared to the same weeks in previous years. Reports of outbreaks of diarrhoea and vomiting in hospitals continue to be reported at similar levels to previous years.
1.5 Rotavirus
Rotavirus activity is low; laboratory reports are 51% lower than the 10 season average (from season 2003 to 2004 to season 2012 to 2013). The decreased rotavirus activity is likely to be associated with the introduction of the oral vaccine in July 2013.
1.6 All-cause mortality
In week 7 2015, significant excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen through the EuroMOMO algorithm in England in 65+ year olds. Since week 40 2014, significant excess mortality has been seen in England from week 50 2014 onwards, coinciding with circulating influenza and cold snaps, with suggestions impact is now decreasing.
2. Surveillance reports updated weekly
PHE syndromic surveillance page
PHE national seasonal influenza report
PHE weekly all-cause mortality surveillance
3. Further information
Met Office Get Ready for Winter