FluWatch report: April 12 to April 18, 2015 (Week 15)

Influenza/ILI Activity (geographic spread)

In week 15, two regions in QC reported widespread activity. Thirteen regions reported localized activity: MB(2), ON(6), QC(2), NB(2) and NS. Twenty-seven regions reported sporadic activity: in NU, BC(5), AB(5), SK(3), MB(3), ON. QC(2), NB(4), NS(2) and PE. Twelve regions reported no activity activity: in YK, NT(2), NU(2), NB, and NS(6).

Influenza and Other Respiratory Virus Detections

In week 15, the percentage positive for influenza A (2.1%) and B (11.9%) declined from the previous week (Figure 2). Influenza B detections were greater than influenza A in all provinces with the exception of British Columbia. More influenza B has been observed to date this season (6,821) compared to the same time during the 2013-14 season (5,027). To date, 83.5% of influenza detections have been influenza A, and 99.3% of those subtyped have been A(H3N2) (Table 1). To date this season, detailed information on age and type/subtype has been received for 35,725 cases (Table 2). Adults ≥65 years of age have predominantly been affected by influenza A, accounting for 62% of influenza A detections. Influenza B, while much smaller in numbers, is mainly affecting individuals less than 65 years of age, they account for 59% of influenza B detections.

In week 15, detections for all other respiratory viruses remained similar to, or decreased from, the previous week (figure 3). Overall, the detections of other respiratory viruses have been declining since peaking in week 5.

For more details, see the weekly Respiratory Virus Detections in Canada Report.

Antiviral Resistance

During the 2014-2015 influenza season, the NML has tested 1,260 influenza viruses for resistance to oseltamivir and 1,258 influenza viruses for resistance to zanamivir. All viruses were sensitive to zanamivir and one influenza A(H3N2) virus was resistant to oseltamivir. A total of 1,308 influenza A viruses (99.9%) were resistant to amantadine  (Table 3).

Influenza Strain Characterizations

During the 2014-2015 influenza season, the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) has characterized 666 influenza viruses [180 A(H3N2), 10 A(H1N1) and 476 influenza B].

Influenza A (H3N2): When tested by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay (n=180), six viruses were antigenically similar to A/Texas/50/2012, five showed reduced titers to A/Texas/50/2012 and 174 were antigenically similar to A/Switzerland/9715293/2013, which is the influenza A(H3N2) component recommended for the 2015 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. Additionally, 1,071 A(H3N2) viruses were unable to be tested by HI assay; however, sequence analysis showed that 1,069 belonged to a genetic group that typically shows reduced titers to A/Texas/50/2012.
Influenza A(H1N1): Ten A(H1N1) viruses characterized were antigenically similar to A/California/7/2009.
Influenza B: Of the 476 influenza B viruses characterized, 452 viruses were antigenically similar to B/Massachusetts/2/2012, three viruses showed reduced titers against B/Massachusetts/2/2012, and 19 were B/Brisbane/60/2008-like (Figure 4).

Influenza-like Illness (ILI) Consultation Rate

The national influenza-like-illness (ILI) consultation rate decreased in week 15 to 31.94 consultations per 1,000, which is above expected levels (Figure 5).

Influenza Outbreak Surveillance

In week 15, 21 new outbreaks of influenza were reported. Similar to previous weeks, the majority of the outbreaks occurred in the Central and Atlantic provinces. Nineteen outbreaks were reported in long-term care facilities (LTCF), and two in institutional or community settings (Figure 6). Among the outbreaks in which the influenza type was known (n=3), all outbreaks were associated with influenza B. To date this season, 1,231 outbreaks in LTCFs have been reported and the majority of those with known subtypes were attributable to A(H3N2). There have been a higher number of reported influenza outbreaks to date this season compared to the same period in previous seasons.

Pharmacy surveillance

Pharmacy surveillance for sales of influenza antivirals has ended for the 2014-2015 influenza season (Figure 7).

Sentinel Hospital Influenza Surveillance

Paediatric Influenza Hospitalizations and Deaths (IMPACT)

In week 15, 19 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated paediatric (≤16 years of age) hospitalizations were reported by the Immunization Monitoring Program Active (IMPACT) network. Seventeen cases were influenza B (Figure 8a). A greater proportion of cases have been reported with influenza B in recent weeks, following the trend in laboratory detections. Among the reported cases, three (16%) were <2 years of age, eleven (58%) were 2 to 9 years of age and five (26%) were 10-16 years of age. One ICU admission was reported.

To date this season, 665 hospitalizations have been reported by the IMPACT network, 502 (80%) of which were cases of influenza A. Among cases for which the influenza A subtype was reported, 99% (162/164) were A(H3N2) (Table 4). To date, 82 cases were admitted to the ICU, of which 45 (55%) were 2 to 9 years of age (Figure 9a). A total of 54 ICU cases reported to have at least one underlying condition or comorbidity. Four deaths have been reported.

Note: The number of hospitalizations reported through IMPACT represents a subset of all influenza-associated paediatric hospitalizations in Canada. Delays in the reporting of data may cause data to change retrospectively.

Adult Influenza Hospitalizations and Deaths (CIRN)

In week 15, 16 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated adult (≥16 years of age) hospitalizations were reported by the PHAC/CIHR Influenza Research Network (CIRN) Serious Outcomes Surveillance (SOS) network. Among the cases in week 15, 12 cases (75%) were in adults over the age of 65 (Figure 8b). One death was reported in week 15 in an adult over the age of 65 years.

To date this season, 2,179 cases have been reported; 1,908 (88%) with influenza A. The majority of cases (81%) were among adults ≥65 years of age (Table 5). One hundred and sixty two ICU admissions have been reported and 117 cases were adults ≥65 years of age. Among the 162 ICU admissions, 19 were due to influenza B (ten in adults 45 to 64 years of age and nine in adults over the age of 65). A total of 113 ICU cases (70%) reported to have at least one underlying condition or comorbidity. Of the 118 ICU cases with known immunization status, 38 (32%) reported not having been vaccinated this season. One hundred and thirty deaths have been reported, 120 (92%) of the deaths were adults >65 years of age (Figure 9b).

Note: The number of hospitalizations reported through PCIRN represents a subset of all influenza-associated adult hospitalizations in Canada. Delays in the reporting of data may cause data to change retrospectively.

Provincial/Territorial Influenza Hospitalizations and Deaths

In week 15, 191 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported from participating provinces and territories^{ootnote *}, which more than the number reported the previous week. Of the 191 hospitalizations, 156 (82%) were due to influenza A and 125 (64%) were in patients ≥65 years of age.

Since the start of the 2014-15 season, 7,086 hospitalizations have been reported; 6,345 (90%) with influenza A. Among cases for which the subtype of influenza A was reported, 99.4% were A(H3N2). The majority of cases (71%) were ≥65 years of age (Table 6). A total of 368 ICU admissions have been reported to date: 52% (n=193) were in adults ≥65 years of age and 34% (n=124) were in adults 20-64 years. A total of 527 deaths have been reported since the start of the season: three children <5 years of age, four children 5-19 years, 42 adults 20-64 years, and 478 adults ≥65 years of age. Adults 65 years of age or older represent 91% of all deaths reported this season. Detailed clinical information (e.g. underlying medical conditions) is not known for these cases.

See additional data on Reported Influenza Hospitalizations and Deaths in Canada: 2009-10 to 2014-15 on the Public Health Agency of Canada website.

Emerging Respiratory Pathogens

Human Avian Influenza
Influenza A(H7N9): Since the last FluWatch report, no new laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus were reported by the World Health Organization. Globally to April 23, 2015, the WHO reported a total of 651 laboratory-confirmed human cases with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, including 225 deaths. Documents related to the public health risk of influenza A(H7N9), as well as guidance for health professionals and advice for the public is updated regularly on the following websites:

• PHAC - Avian influenza A(H7N9)
• WHO - Avian Influenza A(H7N9)

Influenza A(H5N6): Since the last FluWatch report, no new cases of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N6) virus from China has been reported by the World Health Organization. Globally to April 23, 2015, the WHO has been informed of a total of three cases of avian influenza A (H5N6) virus, including two deaths.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
Since the last FluWatch report, no new laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV have been reported by the World Health Organization. Globally, from September 2012 to April 23, 2015, the WHO has reported a total of 1,106 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 421 deaths. All cases have either occurred in the Middle East or have had direct links to a primary case infected in the Middle East. The public health risk posed by MERS-CoV in Canada remains low (see the PHAC Assessment of Public Health Risk) and for the latest global risk assessment posted by the WHO on February 5, 2015: WHO MERS-CoV.

Documents related to the public health risk of MERS-CoV, as well as guidance for health professionals and advice for the public is updated regularly on the following websites:

• PHAC - Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
• WHO - Coronavirus infections

Avian Influenza A(H5) 
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is continuing its investigation into the second outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N2 virus in Oxford County, Ontario. To date, there has been two infected commercial premise. All premises located within the 10 km Avian Influenza Control Zone have been placed under quarantine. No human cases have been reported. Avian influenza viruses do not pose risks to food safety when poultry and poultry products are properly handled and cooked. Avian influenza rarely affects humans that do not have consistent contact with infected birds. Further information on the outbreak is provided on the following CFIA website:

• CFIA - Notifiable Avian Influenza

International Influenza Reports

• World Health Organization influenza update
• World Health Organization FluNet
• WHO Influenza at the human-animal interface
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention seasonal influenza report
• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control - epidemiological data
• South Africa Influenza surveillance report
• New Zealand Public Health Surveillance
• Australia Influenza Report
• Pan-American Health Organization Influenza Situation Report

FluWatch definitions for the 2014-2015 season

Abbreviations: Newfoundland/Labrador (NL), Prince Edward Island (PE), New Brunswick (NB), Nova Scotia (NS), Quebec (QC), Ontario (ON), Manitoba (MB), Saskatchewan (SK), Alberta (AB), British Columbia (BC), Yukon (YT), Northwest Territories (NT), Nunavut (NU).

Influenza-like-illness (ILI): Acute onset of respiratory illness with fever and cough and with one or more of the following - sore throat, arthralgia, myalgia, or prostration which is likely due to influenza. In children under 5, gastrointestinal symptoms may also be present. In patients under 5 or 65 and older, fever may not be prominent.

ILI/Influenza outbreaks

Schools:

Greater than 10% absenteeism (or absenteeism that is higher (e.g. >5-10%) than expected level as determined by school or public health authority) which is likely due to ILI.
Note: it is recommended that ILI school outbreaks be laboratory confirmed at the beginning of influenza season as it may be the first indication of community transmission in an area.

Hospitals and residential institutions:

two or more cases of ILI within a seven-day period, including at least one laboratory confirmed case. Institutional outbreaks should be reported within 24 hours of identification. Residential institutions include but not limited to long-term care facilities ( LTCF) and prisons.

Workplace:

Greater than 10% absenteeism on any day which is most likely due to ILI.

Other settings:

two or more cases of ILI within a seven-day period, including at least one laboratory confirmed case; i.e. closed communities.

Note that reporting of outbreaks of influenza/ILI from different types of facilities differs between jurisdictions.

Influenza/ILI activity level

1 = No activity: no laboratory-confirmed influenza detections in the reporting week, however, sporadically occurring ILI may be reported

2 = Sporadic: sporadically occurring ILI and lab confirmed influenza detection(s) with no outbreaks detected within the influenza surveillance region ^{Footnote †}

3 = Localized:

1. evidence of increased ILI^{Footnote *} and
2. lab confirmed influenza detection(s) together with
3. outbreaks in schools, hospitals, residential institutions and/or other types of facilities occurring in less than 50% of the influenza surveillance region^{Footnote †}

4 = Widespread:

1. evidence of increased ILI^{Footnote *} and
2. lab confirmed influenza detection(s) together with
3. outbreaks in schools, hospitals, residential institutions and/or other types of facilities occurring in greater than or equal to 50% of the influenza surveillance region^{Footnote †}

Note: ILI data may be reported through sentinel physicians, emergency room visits or health line telephone calls.

We would like to thank all the Fluwatch surveillance partners who are participating in this year's influenza surveillance program.