Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report: 2015-2016 Influenza Season Week 52 ending January 2, 2016
January 11th, 2016Synopsis:
During week 52 (December 26, 2015-January 2, 2016), influenza activity increased slightly in the United States.
- Viral Surveillance: The most frequently identified influenza virus type reported by public health laboratories during week 52 was influenza A, with influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 viruses predominating. The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza in clinical laboratories was low.
- Novel Influenza A Virus: One human infection with a novel influenza A virus was reported.
- Pneumonia and Influenza Mortality: The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was below their system-specific epidemic threshold in both the NCHS Mortality Surveillance System and the 122 Cities Mortality Reporting System.
- Influenza-associated Pediatric Deaths: Two influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported.
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- Influenza-associated Hospitalizations: A cumulative rate for the season of 65.5 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations per 100,000 population was reported.
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- Outpatient Illness Surveillance: The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) was 2.8%, which is above the national baseline of 2.1%. Seven of 10 regions reported ILI at or above region-specific baseline levels. Puerto Rico and two states experienced high ILI activity; New York City and two states experienced moderate ILI activity; seven states experienced low ILI activity; 39 states experienced minimal ILI activity; and the District of Columbia had insufficient data.
- Geographic Spread of Influenza: The geographic spread of influenza in Guam and two states were reported as widespread; six states reported regional activity; 13 states reported local activity; the U.S. Virgin Islands and 27 states reported sporadic activity; the District of Columbia and two states reported no influenza activity; and Puerto Rico did not report.
