# 3368
Week 23, which ended June 13th, is now posted on the CDC’s weekly FluView Page.
Given the large number of infections nationally, and the inability to test everyone with symptoms, using confirmed case counts becomes increasingly problematic.
Instead, CDC’s scientists are using the same tools this summer that they use during the regular flu season. These surveillance methods tell us trends, but are unable to give us precise numbers.
New England and the Southwest appear to be seeing the greatest flu activity, with regional outbreaks being reported in another 6 states.
Remarkably, 98% of all of the flu viruses isolated in week 23 were of the novel H1N1 strain.
The 122-Cities Mortality Reporting System reported 7.0% of all deaths were due to P&I (Pneumonia & Influenza).
This percentage is slightly above the epidemic threshold of 6.9% for week 23.
Since the time this data was collected and compiled - a week ago - the number of media reported deaths in the US has roughly doubled.
(click any of the graphics to go to the Flu View Page)
Synopsis:
During week 23 (June 7-13, 2009), influenza activity decreased in the United States, however, there were still higher levels of influenza-like illness than is normal for this time of year.
- Two thousand seven hundred sixty-five (38.7%) 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.
- Over 98% of all subtyped influenza A viruses being reported to CDC were pandemic influenza A (H1N1) viruses.
- The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was slightly above the epidemic threshold.
- One influenza-associated pediatric death was reported and was associated with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.
- The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) was below the national baseline. One of the 10 surveillance regions reported ILI above their region-specific baseline.
- Eleven states reported geographically widespread influenza activity, six states and Puerto Rico reported regional influenza activity, the District of Columbia and 13 states reported local influenza activity, and 20 states reported sporadic influenza activity.
Some of the charts from this week’s Fluview below.
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