Winter health watch summary: 23 November 2017
Updated 29 March 2018
1. Summary
1.1 Cold alert
All regions are currently at Level 1 (winter preparedness and action).
1.2 Flu
During week 46 (ending 19 November 2017), influenza activity was low across all surveillance systems and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity continues to increase.
1.3 Syndromic surveillance
During week 46 there were further increases in selected respiratory indicators, particularly in children under 5 years, in line with recent increases in laboratory reports for RSV.
1.4 Norovirus
Since week 27 in 2017, there have been 1134 laboratory reports of norovirus in England and Wales. This is 15% lower than the average number for the same period in the previous 5 seasons from season 2012 to 2013 to season 2016 to 2017 (1327).
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 459 laboratory reports of rotavirus in England and Wales. This is 44% lower than the average for 2013 to 2014 to 2016 to 2017 (815) (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 46 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
2. Surveillance reports updated weekly
PHE syndromic surveillance page
PHE national seasonal influenza report
PHE norovirus and rotavirus: summary of surveillance
PHE weekly all-cause mortality surveillance
3. Further information
Met Office Get Ready for Winter
4. Planning resources
Cold weather plan for England