Weekly influenza surveillance overview, May 25, 2012 - Week 20

Surveillance report
The weekly/bi-weekly influenza surveillance overview is a collection of timely and relevant information regarding influenza activity in Europe. It provides key statistical data on a variety of issues including the following: sentinel surveillance of influenza-like illness and acute respiratory illness; virological surveillance; hospital surveillance of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI); mortality surveillance and qualitative reporting. An up-to-date report is available on Fridays.

Executive Summary

The reported national influenza trends indicate that the influenza season is coming to its end in Europe.

The 2011-2012 influenza season in Europe has been unusual. It started late, had no geographical progression and has varied considerably in its overall impact from country to country. The season has been dominated by A(H3) viruses with no antiviral resistance. Among B viruses, both Victoria and Yamagata-lineage viruses have made a substantial contribution toward the end of the season, with the Victoria lineage dominating in some countries and the Yamagata lineage in others.

During week 20/2012, all countries except Slovakia reported low intensity. Virological surveillance for week 20/2012 shows that of 119 sentinel specimens tested by 22 countries, 6.7% were positive for influenza virus.

As the 2011–2012 influenza season is ending, the weekly report will be replaced by a fortnightly report during the off-season period from Week 21 to Week 39.

Publication file

120525-SUR-WISO.pdf

English (1.69 MB - PDF)

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