2005 - 2006 Texas Influenza Surveillance Information
The flu activity level for the week ending February 18th, 2006 is widespread. Flu activity was reported in all regions of the state.
Reports were received for all 11 Health Service Regions (HSRs) for week 7. An increase in flu activity was reported in HSRs 1, 4/5N, and 7. Activity remained about the same in HSRs 2/3, 6/5S, 8 and 11. No decrease in flu activity was reported in any of the 11 HSRs. For a map of Health Service Regions, please visit the following website:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/regions/state.shtm
During week 7, culture confirmed influenza A was identified in Bell, Brazos, Harris, McLennan, Travis, and Williamson Counties. The majority of flu cultured by the DSHS lab continues to be A/H3N2; however, in recent weeks, the number of influenza B has steadily increased. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have further characterized the influenza isolates submitted by DSHS as A/California/07/2004-like (H3N2) and A/New York/55/2004-like (H3N2). A/California/07/2004-like (H3N2) is one of the A components of the current vaccine. A/New York/55/2004-like (H3N2) is antigenically equivalent to A/California/07/2004-like (H3N2).
Culture confirmed influenza B was identified in Dallas, Harris, Hill, McLennan, and Travis Counties. Dallas County continues to see the most culture confirmed influenza B. In fact, the only type of flu isolated by the DSHS lab to date from specimens collected during week 7 in Dallas County was influenza B. Two strains of influenza B have been identified by the DSHS lab in Texas; B/Hong Kong/330/2001-like (14 isolated) and B/Shanghai/361/2002-like (8 isolated).
No institutional outbreaks or school closures have been reported; however, an increase in influenza-like illness (ILI) was noted by Marshall ISD in Harrison County, and educational information on ILI is being sent home with students.
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 decrease in influenza-like illness (ILI) for the fourth consecutive week.
PERCENTAGE OF VISITS FOR INFLUENZA-LIKE-ILLNESS REPORTED BY SENTINEL PROVIDERS IN TEXAS
|
Week
|
# Reporting
|
Age 0-4
|
Age 5-24
|
Age 25-64
|
Age over 64
|
Total ILI
|
Total Patients
|
% ILI
|
2005-48
|
43
|
144
|
163
|
128
|
9
|
444
|
15657
|
2.83
|
2005-49
|
39
|
118
|
181
|
116
|
3
|
418
|
12894
|
3.24
|
2005-50
|
45
|
160
|
268
|
190
|
13
|
631
|
14410
|
4.37
|
2005-51
|
44
|
146
|
149
|
61
|
7
|
363
|
7797
|
4.65
|
2005-52
|
39
|
219
|
232
|
363
|
29
|
843
|
10140
|
8.31
|
2006-01
|
40
|
177
|
201
|
297
|
46
|
721
|
11399
|
6.32
|
2006-02
|
55
|
229
|
359
|
269
|
36
|
893
|
15487
|
5.76
|
2006-03
|
47
|
297
|
399
|
287
|
28
|
1011
|
13520
|
7.47
|
2006-04
|
65
|
331
|
467
|
301
|
42
|
1141
|
18251
|
6.25
|
2006-05
|
59
|
281
|
416
|
264
|
44
|
1005
|
17525
|
5.73
|
2006-06
|
60
|
278
|
372
|
230
|
27
|
907
|
17497
|
5.18
|
2006-07
|
45
|
173
|
310
|
179
|
29
|
691
|
14150
|
4.88
|
Percentage of Physician Visits Due to Influenza-Like Illness
Texas Sentinel Providers Surveillance Network
2005-2006 Season
Statewide Influenza Activity For the Week Ending February 18, 2006
(MMWR Week 7)
 *Influenza activity level corresponds to current MMWR week only and does not reflect previous weeks’ activity.
|