2003 - 2004 Texas Influenza Surveillance Information
The flu activity level for Texas, week 51, 12/14/03 to 12/20/03 is widespread. Widespread means there is increased flu activity, (influenza-like illness or positive lab result), in at least half of the state's public health regions. There are 11 public health regions in Texas, and flu activity has been identified in 10 of those regions during this reporting period. Influenza A H3 and influenza B are circulating in the state.
Per the CDC, emphasis should be placed on targeting injectable trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine to persons at highest risk for complications from influenza, including all children aged 6-23 months, adults aged 65 years and older, pregnant women who are in their second and third trimester during influenza season, and persons aged 2 and older with underlying chronic medical conditions. Second priority should be given to vaccinating those individuals at greatest risk for transmission of disease to high-risk individuals, including household contacts and health care workers. An intranasally-administered live, attenuated influenza vaccine (FluMist) is available for the first time this year and is approved for healthy people 5 to 49 years of age.
A map of Public Health Regions in Texas.
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Texas Department of State Health Services - Infectious Disease Control Unit
1100 West 49th Street, Suite T801, Mail Code: 1960 PO BOX 149347 - Austin, TX 78714-9347
(512) 458-7676 - Fax: (512) 458-7616 - E-Mail
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