Weekly influenza surveillance overview, week 17, 2014

​For week 17/2014:
• Low intensity was reported by 24 countries and local or sporadic activity was reported by 16 countries.
• Of 93 sentinel specimens tested across 15 countries, 15 (16%) were positive for influenza virus. Fourteen (93%) were influenza A viruses.
• Fifteen hospitalised laboratory-confirmed influenza cases were reported by Ireland and the UK, 14 of which were admitted to intensive care units.
Overall, influenza activity and associated circulation of influenza viruses in reporting countries is declining.