2005 - 2006 Texas Influenza Surveillance Information
The flu activity level for the week ending February 25th, 2006 is widespread. Flu activity was reported in all regions of the state. This is the ninth consecutive week of widespread activity in Texas.
Reports were received from all 11 Health Service Regions (HSRs) for week 8. An increase in flu activity was reported only in HSR 2/3 (primarily HSR 2). Activity remained about the same in HSRs 1, 6/5S, 9/10, and 11. A decrease in flu activity was reported in HSRs 4/5N and 8. For a map of Health Service Regions, please visit the following website:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/regions/state.shtm
During week 8, culture confirmed influenza A was identified in Bell, Coryell, Dallas, Harris, McLennan, and Travis 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 increased.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have further characterized the influenza A 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 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, Lubbock, and McLennan Counties during week 8. Dallas County is now experiencing more culture confirmed influenza B than influenza A. Two strains of influenza B have been identified by the DSHS lab in Texas; B/Hong Kong/330/2001-like and B/Shanghai/361/2002-like. Of the 3 influenza B isolates collected during week 8 and identified by the DSHS lab, 2 were B/Hong Kong/330/2001-like (both from residents of Dallas County) and 1 was B/Shanghai/361/2002-like (resident of Lubbock County). A specimen collected during the previous week (week 7) from Lubbock County was also identified as B/Shanghai/361/2002-like. It is possible that a second wave of influenza could result from the currently circulating B strains of the virus; however, overall, the number of flu specimens submitted to the DSHS lab has decreased.
One facility in Denton County reported an institutional outbreak. No school closures have been reported; however, an increase in influenza-like illness (ILI) was noted by Elysian Fields 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 slight increase in influenza-like illness (ILI); however, only 33 providers have reported at this time, and the percentage of ILI tends to decrease as more providers report.
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
|
2005-49
|
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
|
68
|
331
|
468
|
304
|
42
|
1145
|
18358
|
6.23
|
2006-05
|
63
|
282
|
418
|
265
|
44
|
1009
|
17693
|
5.70
|
2006-06
|
64
|
278
|
373
|
230
|
27
|
908
|
17729
|
5.12
|
2006-07
|
57
|
231
|
337
|
208
|
33
|
809
|
18416
|
4.39
|
2006-08
|
33
|
111
|
129
|
48
|
29
|
317
|
4813
|
6.58
|
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 25, 2006
(MMWR Week 8)
 *Influenza activity level corresponds to current MMWR week only and does not reflect previous weeks’ activity.
|