Winter health watch summary: 21 January 2016

Published 31 March 2016

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/winter-health-watch-summary-31-march-2016/winter-health-watch-summary-21-january-2016

1. Summary

1.1 Cold Weather alert

A level 3 alert ‘Cold weather action’ is still in place for North East England, Yorkshire and Humber, and East Midlands. North West England, West Midlands, East of England and Southeast England are at level 2 ‘Alert and readiness’. London and Southwest England have now returned to level 1’ Winter preparedness and action’.

1.2 Flu

In week 2 2016 (ending 17 January 2016), influenza activity was at similar or higher levels across surveillance schemes, including GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rates, the proportion of laboratory samples positive for influenza and influenza admissions to hospitals and ICU. The Department of Health has issued an alert on the prescription of antiviral medicines to the health service.

1.3 Syndromic surveillance

There was nothing new to report during week 2 2016. Indicators of ILI remained stable and within seasonally expected levels.

1.4 Norovirus

The number of laboratory reports of norovirus in this season (since week 27 2015) is 1778. 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 (2940), and 76% 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 level of rotavirus laboratory reporting is currently at similar levels to previous years. The level of laboratory reports is 19% lower compared to the 10 season average (from season 2003 and 2004 to season 2012 and 2013).

1.6 All-cause mortality

Up to week 2 2016 in England, excess mortality by date of death was seen in under 5 year olds and 5 to 14 year olds in week 51 and in 15 to 64 year olds in week 52 with the EuroMoMo algorithm.