BC Influenza Surveillance Bulletin: Increased RSV Activity

From BCCDC: Seasonal Influenza Circulation, with Increasing RSV Activity in BC

During weeks 48-49 (November 27 to December 10, 2016), seasonal influenza activity was observed in BC. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity continued to increase during this period, notably at the BC Children’s and Women’s Health Centre Laboratory where over one-third of tests were RSV positive in weeks 48-49.

At the BCCDC Public Health Laboratory, influenza positivity increased from 7% in week 48 to 15% in week 49, while RSV positivity increased from 8% in week 48 to 13% in week 49, concurrent with a decline in entero/rhinovirus detections.

Two new influenza A outbreaks were reported from long-term care facilities in FHA: one with onset in week 49 and one in week 50. A total of 15 influenza outbreaks have been reported so far this season (since week 37), 14 with influenza A detected (all H3N2 where subtype information is available) and one with influenza B detected.

Medical Services Plan (MSP) claims for influenza illness were at expected median levels for this time of year, while sentinel ILI rates remained above 10-year historical averages for the fourth consecutive week.

Nine new cases of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) were detected, bringing the total number of cases detected in BC since August 2016 to 71 cases, including two children <2 years old with associated neurological features.

A complete version of the influenza surveillance bulletin is attached. Previous BC Influenza Surveillance Bulletins are available from the BCCDC website:

www.bccdc.ca/health-professionals/data-reports/influenza-surveillance-reports

Please remember to notify BCCDC of any ILI outbreak occurring in your region by sending an e-mail to ilioutbreak@bccdc.ca<mailto:ilioutbreak@bccdc.ca. A copy of the current outbreak report form is attached.