Winter health watch summary: 24 March 2016

Published 31 March 2016

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1. Summary

1.1 Cold Weather Alert

All regions are currently at Level 1 - “Winter Preparedness and Action”.

1.2 Flu

In week 11 2016 (ending 20 March 2016), influenza circulation with mainly A(H1N1)pdm09 continues with indicators stable across surveillance schemes, including the number of influenza admissions to hospital and ICU. A further increase in influenza B circulation has been noted in several surveillance schemes, this week. 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

There have been continued increases in GP consultations for influenza-like illness and other selected respiratory indicators across all systems. The increases have been particularly in the 5 to 14 years age group, which is consistent with current laboratory reports indicating increasing influenza B activity. There were further increases in GP consultations for scarlet fever during week 11.

1.4 Norovirus

The number of laboratory reports of norovirus in this season (since week 27 2015) is 3183. This is 38% lower than the average number for the same period in the 5 seasons from season 2010 and 2011 to season 2014 and 2015 (5171), and 33% 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 1292. This is 79% lower than the 10 season average for the same period in the seasons 2003 and 2004 to 2012 and 2013 (6245). 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 during week 11 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 3, 4 to 7 and 9 to 11 2016, with the EuroMoMo algorithm.