Current level of influenza activity: |
Low |
Trend: |
Decreasing |
News: |
Influenza is still circulating. COVID-19 cases have decreased in recent weeks. RSV activity in children under 5 years remains at baseline intensity levels. |
For the latest annual influenza and acute respiratory infections in Wales reports see: Annual influenza surveillance and influenza vaccination uptake reports
Weekly surveillance reports
Latest report: Public Health Wales Influenza Surveillance Report: Week 15 2024
Latest vaccination coverage data: Public Health Wales Influenza Vaccination Coverage Downloadable Data
Key points
In Wales:
Flu activity surveillance update
- The GP consultation rate for influenza in Wales during week 15 reported through the GP Sentinel Surveillance of Infections Scheme was 4.7 consultations per 100,000 practice population..
- The rate remained stable compared to week 14 (4.7 consultations per 100,000).
Virological surveillance update
- 108 surveillance samples from patients with ILI symptoms collected by sentinel GPs and community pharmacies during Week 15. Of the 108 samples, two tested positive for influenza A (one influenza A(H1N1), one influenza B), twelve mycoplasma, nine rhinovirus, seven seasonal coronaviruses, six adenovirus, six parainfluenza, one RSV, one enterovirus and one SARS-CoV2 as at 17/04/2024).
- During week 15, 1,201 hospital and non-sentinel GP patient samples underwent full respiratory screen multiplex testing by Public Health Wales Microbiology, of which, 31 were positive for influenza. A number of other causes of acute respiratory infection were identified (see full report). These tests are usually prioritised for symptomatic patients in hospitals, or less commonly community settings.
- Confirmed RSV case incidence in children aged under 5 remained at baseline intensity levels.
Hospitalisations in confirmed cases of influenza and RSV
- The 7-day rolling sums of cases hospitalised within 28 days of an influenza or RSV positive test result in the community (or up to two days post-admission) were 16 and three respectively during Week 15, and 18 for SARS-CoV-2 during week 15.
- For further information see the Public Health Wales Dashboard on hospital admissions in ARI cases
In the UK and Europe
World Overview
- The WHO reported on 11/04/2024, based on data up to 31/03/2024 that influenza globally the proportion of influenza B viruses increased compared with the previous week.
- In the temperate zones and of the Northern Hemisphere influenza activity continued to decline.
- In the temperate zones of the southern hemisphere, influenza activity remained low with a few exceptions in South America, where influenza activity increased with predominantly influenza A detections.
- See full WHO influenza update
COVID-19
MERS-CoV and H7N9 Updates
- On the 10/07/2023 WHO were notified by the United Arab Emirates(UAE) of a case of MERS-CoV. In total, 2,605 laboratory-confirmed cases of locally acquired Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) worldwide, including 936 deaths
- The latest WHO Influenza at Human-Animal Interface summary (08/04/2022 to 13/05/2022) reports that there have been no publicly available records from China or other countries on avian influenza A(H7N9) in recent months. Since February 2013, a total of 1,568 laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9), including at least 616 deaths, have been reported.
- Updates are available from WHO Global Alert and Response
- Latest WHO Influenza Monthly Risk Assessment Summary
- Public Health Wales has published advice to health professionals which is available at MERS-CoV and Influenza H7N9 infection control preparedness
Weekly Influenza Surveillance Reports for Wales
Reports Archive