Week 4

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2005-2006 Texas Influenza Surveillance Information

2005-2006 Season Summary

The flu activity level for the week ending January 28, 2006 is widespread. Flu activity has been reported in all regions of the state for the fourth consecutive week.

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

Texas Health Service Regions Map

During week 4, culture confirmed influenza A was identified in Bastrop, Bell, Bexar, Brazos, Collin, Coryell, Dallas, Falls, Harris, Hemphill, McLennan, Midland, Scurry, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson Counties. The majority of flu cultured by the DSHS lab continues to be A/H3N2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have further characterized the influenza isolates submitted by DSHS as A/California/07/2004-like, which is one of the A components of the current vaccine.

On January 23, 2006, a 9 year-old child from Wilson County was reported as having viral encephalitis possibly due to influenza A. The child was hospitalized with fever, rash, headache, and seizures and was comatose and intubated at the time of the report. A rapid test for influenza indicated flu A. Multiple specimens were tested for a variety of conditions including EBV, parvo, mycobacterium, and arboviruses. A repeat rapid flu test the following day was again positive for influenza A. All other tests were negative. The final diagnosis was "influenza induced viral encephalitis”. By January 26, 2006, the patient was much improved and expected to be discharged the following week.

Round Rock ISD (Williamson County) has reported an outbreak of influenza in its schools; however, no schools have been closed as a result. The University of Texas (Austin campus) has seen a large increase in culture confirmed influenza A (all H3N2) in recent weeks; however, due to the size of the student population, it is unlikely that this indicates an outbreak.

No other institutional outbreaks or school closures have been reported.

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/Surveillance.aspx

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

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Statewide Influenza Activity For the Week Ending January 28, 2006 (MMWR Week 4)

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

2005-2006 Texas Influenza Surveillance Information - Flu Reports

For the week ending: 
10/15/05, 10/22/05, 10/29/05, 11/05/05, 11/12/05, 11/19/05, 11/26/05, 12/10/05, 12/17/05, 12/24/05, 01/07/06, 01/14/06, 01/21/06, 02/04/06, 02/11/06, 02/18/06, 02/25/06, 03/04/06, 03/11/06, 03/18/06, 03/26/06, 04/01/06, 04/08/06, 04/15/06, 04/22/06, 04/29/06, 05/12/06, 05/19/06, 05/20/06

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