Influenza activity in Ireland decreased during week 10 2013

Influenza activity in Ireland decreased during week 10 2013; however influenza associated hospitalisations and outbreaks continue to be reported.

 

The sentinel GP influenza‐like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 34.7 per 100,000 population in week 10 2013, a slight decrease compared to the updated rate of 41.3 per 100,000 during week 9 2013.  ILI rates have now remained above the Irish baseline threshold (21.0 per 100,000 population) for 13 weeks this season. ILI age specific rates were highest in the 15‐64 year age group during week 10 2013. The proportion of influenza–related calls to GP Out‐of‐Hours services remained stable during week 10 2013.

Influenza positivity decreased during week 10 2013 to 21.5%, compared to 25.7% during the previous week. Twenty‐six influenza A(H3), 16 influenza A(H1)pdm09, 6 A (unsubtyped) and 24 influenza B positive specimens were reported from the NVRL for week 10 2013. The percentage positivity for influenza A (66.7%) was higher than for influenza B (33.3%). Seven acute respiratory outbreaks in residential care facilities/community hospitals were reported to HPSC during week 10 2013. Influenza activity remained substantial in week 9 2013 across Europe; however an increasing number of countries reported declining transmission.

 

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