The flu activity level for the week ending January 7, 2006 is widespread. Flu activity has continued to increase across the state.

Increased influenza activity was reported in all 11 Health Service Regions (HSRs) for week 1, with the exception of HSR 8, which reported that flu activity had remained comparable to the previous week. For a map of Health Service Regions, please visit the following website:

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

During week 1, the DSHS lab received and isolated its first influenza B of the season from two specimens from Dallas County. Both isolates were identified as B/Shanghai/361/2002-like (members of the B/Yamagata lineage). These isolates are similar to the B component of the current vaccine. To date, all influenza B isolates have been obtained in Dallas County. Other counties are encouraged to send any influenza B positive specimens to the DSHS lab for further analysis.

Culture confirmed influenza A was identified in Bexar, Castro, Dallas, Harris, Hemphill, Smith, and Tom Green Counties during week 1. At present, all influenza A isolates that have been subtyped at the DSHS lab have been identified as H3N2. Results on five of the isolates have come back from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and all five were further characterized as A/California/07/2004-like, which is one of the A components of this season’s vaccine.

DSHS has received the first report of an influenza-associated pediatric death in a 14 year-old from Dallas. The patient became ill on or around 12/19/05 and was subsequently hospitalized in the ICU of Children’s Medical Center where she died from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome on 01/01/06. She tested positive for influenza A by direct fluorescent antibody (DFA). Staph aureus was cultured from blood. Patient had a history of dilated cardiomyopathy. She had not received the current season’s influenza vaccine. Autopsy results are pending.

While influenza-associated pediatric death is not yet reportable in Texas, it was designated as a nationally notifiable condition in 2004 by CDC. The Texas Department of State Health Services requests that all influenza-associated pediatric deaths be reported to either a Health Service Region or to the Infectious Disease Control Unit in Austin at (512) 458-7676.

No school closures or institutional outbreaks were reported during week 1.

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; however, fewer providers reported during this period.

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Statewide Influenza Activity For the Week Ending January 7, 2006
(MMWR Week 1)

*Influenza activity corresponds to current MMWR week only and does not reflect previous weeks' activity

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