Winter health watch summary: 24 November 2016

Published 30 March 2017

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1. Summary

1.1 Cold Alert

Parts of northwest and northeast England are currently at a Level 2 cold weather alert, effective until 26 November.

Prior level 2 cold weather alerts have been in place this season from 8 to 9 November and 18 to 21 November.

1.2 Flu

During week 46 (ending 20 November 2016), influenza activity is at low levels and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) continues to circulate.

1.3 Syndromic Surveillance

During week 46 there were further increases in seasonal respiratory conditions, including bronchitis/bronchiolitis in young infants, in line with RSV activity.

Vomiting and gastroenteritis remain above seasonally expected levels, with levels highest in children younger than 15 years.

1.4 Norovirus

The number of laboratory reports of norovirus in this season* (since week 27 2016) is 1299. This is 3% higher than the average number for the same period in the 5 seasons from season 2011 and 2012 to season 2015 and 2016 (1257), and 40% higher than the same weeks last season.

Reports of outbreaks of diarrhoea and vomiting in hospitals continue to be reported at similar levels to previous years.

1.5 Rotavirus

The number of laboratory reports of rotavirus in this season* (since week 27 2016) is 837. This is 4% higher than the 10 season average for the same period in the seasons 2003 and 2004 to 2012 and 2013 (803)**.

Rotavirus laboratory reports are currently at similar levels to previous years.

1.6 All-Cause Mortality

In week 46 2016, no statistically significant excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen through the EuroMOMO algorithm in England overall and by age group and across the devolved administrations.

*In order to capture the winter peak of activity in one season, for reporting purposes, the norovirus and rotavirus season runs from week 27 in year 1 to week 26 in year 2, i.e. week 27 2009 to week 26 2010, July to June.

**Comparison is made with this 10 season period as it is prior to the vaccine introduction.