• This report shows H1N1 activity but at lower levels than one would expect of an influenza this time of year.

• All of the virus samples sub-typed this week by international and national agencies were the 2009 H1N1 virus.

• Four pediatric deaths were reported.

• The number of patients going to the doctor for influenza-like illness (ILI) is .1% higher than expected, 2.4%.

• States are reporting lower levels of influenza activity than at peak.

• Infectious disease experts have said, when it became clear the pandemic was slowing, this can be the end of it or merely a pause for round three.

• These same experts say that it will take two years to get the data necessary to measure the full impact of this pandemic.

CDC Flu View

2009-2010 Influenza Season Week 52 ending January 2, 2010

All data are preliminary and may change as more reports are received.

Synopsis:

“During week 52 (December 27, 2009-January 2, 2010), influenza activity decreased slightly in the U.S.

• 161 (3.9%) specimens tested by U.S. World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories and reported to CDC/Influenza Division were positive for influenza.
• All subtyped influenza A viruses reported to CDC were 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses. (Emphasis added)
• The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was below the epidemic threshold.
• Four influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported. All four deaths were associated with 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. (Emphasis added)
• The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) was 2.4% which is above the national baseline of 2.3%. Six of the 10 regions (3, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) reported ILI below region-specific baseline levels.
• One state reported geographically widespread influenza activity, 12 states reported regional influenza activity, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and 17 states reported local influenza activity, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 19 states reported sporadic influenza activity, and one state reported no influenza activity.” (Emphasis added)

Source: CDC Flu View, January 8, 2009