Winter health watch summary: 21 December 2017

Updated 29 March 2018

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/winter-health-watch-weekly-summaries-2017-to-2018/winter-health-watch-summary-21-december-2017

1. Summary

1.1 Cold Alert

All regions are at level 1 cold weather alert (winter preparedness and action) until further notice.

Prior cold weather alerts have been in place this season from:

24 November to 2 December
7 to 19 December

1.2 Flu

During week 50 (ending 17 December 2017), influenza activity continues to increase for several indicators in particular the number of laboratory confirmed outbreaks, the proportion of laboratory samples positive for influenza in primary and secondary care and influenza admissions to hospital and intensive care. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) has reached peak activity and is now decreasing. The Department of Health has issued an alert on the prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs.

1.3 Syndromic Surveillance

During week 50, there were increases in respiratory indicators across all systems, including influenza-like illness GP consultations and NHS 111 cold or flu calls.

1.4 Norovirus

Since week 27 in 2017, there have been 1887 laboratory reports of norovirus in England and Wales. This is 9% lower than the average number for the same period in the previous 5 seasons from season 2012 to 2013 to season 2016 to 2017 (2084); however, activity in the most recent weeks has increased and is now comparable to the 5 season average for this reporting week.

Reports of suspected and confirmed outbreaks of norovirus in hospitals in England are currently at lower levels than in previous years (2009 to 2016).

1.5 Rotavirus

Since week 27 in 2017, there have been 550 laboratory reports of rotavirus in England and Wales. This is 44% lower than the average for season 2013 to 2014 to season 2016 to 2017 (988) (the period after vaccine was introduced).

Following the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine into the routine childhood immunisation schedule in July 2013, the total number of laboratory-confirmed rotavirus infections each season has remained low compared to the pre-vaccine period.

1.6 All-Cause Mortality

In week 50 of 2017, no statistically significant excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen through the EuroMOMO algorithm in England overall or by age group.

Throughout the winter, local weekly flu and infectious intestinal disease bulletins are available from the relevant PHE Field Epidemiology Team. The contact details are:

East Midlands: FES.EM@phe.gov.uk

East of England: EFEU@phe.gov.uk

London: FES.SEaL@phe.gov.uk

North East: FES.NorthEast@phe.gov.uk

North West: FES.NorthWest@phe.gov.uk

South East: FES.SEaL@phe.gov.uk

South West: FES.SouthWest@phe.gov.uk

West Midlands: FES.WestMidlands@phe.gov.uk

Yorkshire and Humber: YHFES@phe.gov.uk