Winter health watch summary: 26 February 2015

Published 26 March 2015

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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 Jan to 8 Feb 2015, 25 to 31 December 2014 and 11 to 13 December 2014.

1.2 Syndromic surveillance

Syndromic Surveillance reports that there have been further increases in calls, attendances and consultations for diarrhoea and gastroenteritis across the NHS 111, Emergency Department (ED) and GP out of hours syndromic surveillance systems during week 8. These increases are within seasonally expected levels.

1.3 Flu

In week 8 2015 (ending 22 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 9% 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 57% 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 8 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 mainly in 65+ year olds, coinciding with circulating influenza and cold snaps, with suggestions impact is now decreasing.