All indicators of influenza activity in Ireland were at low levels during week 48 2011. The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was slightly increased from the updated rate of week 47. ILI rates remain below the Irish baseline threshold and remain at low levels in all age groups. No influenza positive specimens were reported from the NVRL for week 48 2011, from sentinel or non-sentinel sources. There have been no reports of any influenza-associated deaths to date this season. No outbreaks of influenza/ILI have been reported to date this season. Influenza activity in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere remained low. More influenza viruses are being detected in EU/EEA countries. http://www.who.int/influenza/surveillance_monitoring/updates/en/index.html
Dr John Gallagher MB MMedSc FRCPI FFOMI
Occupational Physician,