Winter health watch summary: 25 February 2016

Published 31 March 2016

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1. Summary

1.1 Cold Weather alert

A Level 3 ‘cold weather action’ cold weather alert has been issued between 9am on Wednesday 24 February and 9am on Friday 26 February for North East England as well as Yorkshire and Humber. All other regions are currently at level 2, with London and South West being at level 1.

1.2 Flu

In week 7 2016 (ending 21 February 2016), influenza circulation with mainly A(H1N1)pdm09 continues with indicators starting to stabilise across surveillance schemes, including the number of respiratory outbreaks, GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rates, the proportion of laboratory samples positive for influenza and influenza admissions to ICU. 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 was little overall change in selected respiratory indicators during week 7, including GP ILI 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 2,431. This is 42% lower than the average number for the same period in the 5 seasons from season 2010 and 2011 to season 2014 and 2015 (4,171), and 80% 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 1,249. This is 56% lower than the 10 season average for the same period in the seasons 2003 and 2004 to 2012 and 2013 (2,853). 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 7 in England. So far this season, excess has been seen in England in under 5 year olds and 5 to 14 year olds in week 51 and in 15 to 64 year olds in weeks 52 to 03 and weeks 05 to 07 with the EuroMoMo algorithm.