Winter health watch summary: 10 March 2016

Published 31 March 2016

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1. Summary

1.1 Cold Alert

A Level 2 ‘Alert and Readiness’ cold weather alert was issued between 9am on Friday 4 March and midday on Tuesday 8 March for Yorkshire and Humber, North West England, North East England, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East England and South West England. All regions are currently at Level 1 ‘Winter Preparedness and Action’.

1.2 Flu

In week 9 2016 (ending 6 March 2016), influenza circulation with mainly A(H1N1)pdm09 continued with indicators stable across surveillance schemes, including the number of influenza admissions to hospital and ICU. There are signs of B circulation increasing. Updated guidance on antiviral prescribing in secondary care when influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 is the dominant circulating strain has been published.

1.3 Syndromic Surveillance

Respiratory indicators remained elevated during week 9, including GP influenza-like illness consultations and cold or flu calls to NHS 111.

1.4 Norovirus

The number of laboratory reports of norovirus in this season (since week 27 2015) is 2856. This is 40% lower than the average number for the same period in the 5 seasons from season 2010 and 2011 to season 2014 and 2015 (4784), and 42% lower than the same weeks last season. Reports of outbreaks of diarrhoea and vomiting in hospitals continue to be reported but at lower levels than in previous years.

1.5 Rotavirus

The number of laboratory reports of rotavirus in this season (since week 27 2015) is 1317. This is 69% lower than the 10-season average for the same period in the seasons 2003 and 2004 to 2012 and 2013 (4232). Rotavirus laboratory reports are currently lower than previous years.

1.6 All-Cause Mortality

Excess mortality was seen in the 15 to 64 year olds in week 9 in England. So far this season, excess has been seen in England in under 5 year olds in weeks 51 and 5, in 5 to 14 year olds in week 51 and in 15 to 64 year olds from weeks 52 2015 to 9 2016, with the EuroMoMo algorithm.