Virus WAtch Week Ending 8 June 2014

Influenza and Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI)

Summary: Non-influenza virus activity increased this week, particularly respiratory syncytial virus, but influenza activity remains low.

• ILI presentations to sentinel general practitioners (GPs) and influenza notifications remain low.
• ILI presentations to emergency departments (EDs) increased this week; hospital admissions for influenza remain low.
• The majority of influenza viruses subtyped in the past week were influenza A/H1N1, but influenza A/H3N2 and influenza B viruses are also circulating.
• Detections of non-influenza respiratory viruses increased this week, particularly respiratory syncytial virus.

 Gastroenteritis

•  Gastroenteritis presentations to sentinel GPs and EDs are within expected levels.

Varicella and Viral Rashes

• Shingles presentations to sentinel GPs and EDs remain near expected levels and chickenpox presentations remain low.
• One case of measles was reported in a young adult returning from travel to Bali, Indonesia.
• No cases of rubella or mumps were notified this week.

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