Surveillance

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2005 - 2006 Texas Influenza Surveillance Information

The flu activity level for the week ending January 14, 2006 is widespread. Flu activity has been reported in all regions of the state for the third consecutive week.

Reports were received for all 11 Health Service Regions (HSRs) for week 2. An increase in flu activity was reported in HSRs 1, 2, 3, 4/5N, and 7. Activity has remained about the same in HSRs 6/5S, 8, and 9/10. Only HSR 11 reported a decrease in activity. For a map of Health Service Regions, please visit the following website:

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/regions/state.shtm

During week 2, culture confirmed influenza A was identified in Bexar, Dallas, Harris, Hemphill, Midland, Nueces, Potter, Smith, Tarrant, Travis, and Wichita Counties. Culture confirmed flu A has also been identified at both Lackland and Sheppard Air Force Base. At present, 100 influenza A isolates have been subtyped by the DSHS lab and identified as H3N2. An additional thirty-two isolates have been identified as influenza A but have not been subtyped. Three isolates have been identified as influenza B (all from Dallas County). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have further characterized the influenza A isolates submitted by DSHS as A/California/07/2004-like, which is one of the A components of the current vaccine. The DSHS lab has identified the influenza B isolates as B/Shanghai/361/2002-like. These isolates have been sent to CDC for further antigenic characterization.

In addition, influenza A has been isolated in two individuals who were reportedly vaccinated earlier in the season. DSHS has received other reports from across the state of confirmed flu A (by rapid test) in individuals of various ages who have been vaccinated this season. Providers who suspect influenza in vaccinated patients, especially in those under 65 years of age, are encouraged to submit specimens to the DSHS lab for further analysis. For additional information on specimen submission, please contact your Health Service Region or the Infectious Disease Control Unit in Austin at (512) 458-7676.

A possible influenza A outbreak has been reported at a long-term care facility in Austin (Travis County); however, additional information is not available at this time. No school closures were reported during week 2.

On January 14, 2006, the CDC released an interim recommendation against the use of amantadine and rimantadine for the treatment or prophylaxis of influenza A in the United States during the 2005-2006 season. A significant increase in drug resistance in the currently circulating strains of the virus has been observed over the past 3 years. Zanamivir or oseltamivir should be used if antiviral treatment or prophylaxis is warranted. You can view the entire article at the following website:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/han011406.htm

For more information on flu surveillance activities in the State of Texas, please visit the following website:

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/influenza/surveillance/

Data from the Sentinel Provider Surveillance Network (SPSN) indicates a slight decrease in influenza-like illness (ILI) from the previous week.

No school closures or institutional outbreaks have been reported.

For more information on flu surveillance activities in the State of Texas, please visit the following website:

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Statewide Influenza Activity For the Week Ending January 14, 2006

(MMWR Week 2)

*Influenza activity level corresponds to current MMWR week only and does not reflect previous weeks’ activity.

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