Virus WAtch Week Ending 28 September 2014

Influenza and Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI)

Summary: Influenza activity continues to decline.

• Most indicators of influenza activity, including notifications, detections of influenza virus, proportion of positive laboratory tests for influenza, and influenza-associated hospitalisations decreased this week. Presentations to sentinel general practitioners (GPs) were unchanged.
• Influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and B viruses continue to co-circulate.
• Overall detections of non-influenza respiratory viruses increased, primarily due to an increase in human metapneumovirus.

Gastroenteritis

• Gastroenteritis presentations to sentinel GPs and sentinel emergency departments (EDs) remained relatively stable this week. However, GP presentations are above average, in contrast to ED presentations which are below baseline.

 Varicella and Viral Rashes

• Shingles and chickenpox presentations to sentinel GPs and EDs were around or below baseline levels.
• Two locally acquired cases of mumps were reported to the Department of Health this week – follow-up information is pending.
• No confirmed cases of measles or rubella were reported.

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