MDPH Flu Update 7 2 09 – Massachusetts

Flu Activity in Massachusetts

• ILI continues a steady decline, dropping to 1.5% of patient visits – the New England regional baseline (see graph below).
• The number of laboratory confirmed cases, both by rapid test and by culture/PCR, has also continued to drop dramatically. This is partially due to the discontinuation of routine H1N1 testing at the Massachusetts state lab in mid-June.
• As of 7/1/09, there have been 3 deaths in patients with confirmed novel influenza A (H1N1) in Massachusetts. Confirmatory testing is pending at CDC on specimens from an additional patient with influenza A that died.

National Influenza Activity

• As of July 2, CDC reports 33,902 confirmed or probable cases of H1N1 swine-origin influenza in the U.S., with 170 deaths. For more information go to http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm.
• During the week ending June 27, seasonal influenza A (H1), A (H3), and B viruses co-circulated at low levels with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) viruses. Over 98% of all subtyped influenza A viruses being reported to CDC this week were pandemic influenza A (H1N1) viruses. See graph below.

INFLUENZA UPDATE CONFERENCE CALL

The Immunization Coalitions Technical Assistance Network (IZTA) has rescheduled its Influenza Update conference call. Previously scheduled for June 16, it will now be held on July 7. If you registered for the June 16 call, you do not need to re-register.

The call features L.J. Tan, MS, PhD, presenting his engaging and informative annual update. It will include the latest research from the 2008-09 influenza season and predictions and plans for the 2009-10 season.

The July 7 call will be held at 1PM, ET. To sign up, send an email to izta@aed.org. Include the subject line "Sign me up for the Influenza Update call."

IZTA is a program of the Center for Health Communication, Academy for Educational Development.

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