| Current level of activity: |
Low activity |
| Trend: |
Stable in recent weeks |
| News: |
Confirmed influenza case numbers have increased during April, and include a number of community cases confirmed in sentinel GPs. This is later than usual seasonal activity, at low levels. |
For the latest annual influenza and acute respiratory infections in Wales reports see: Annual Influenza in Wales reports
Weekly surveillance reports
Latest report: Public Health Wales Influenza Surveillance Report: Week 20 2022
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 20 (week ending 22/05/2022) reported through the GP Sentinel Surveillance of Infections Scheme was 2.4 consultations per 100,000 practice population, and remains below the Moving Epidemic Method (MEM) threshold for baseline activity (11.0 consultations per 100,000).
- The rate increased compared to week 19 (1.3 consultations per 100,000).
Virological surveillance update
- During week 20, one surveillance samples from patients with influenza-like illness were submitted by sentinel GPs for testing as at 25/05/2022, the sample was negative for all routinely tested respiratory pathogens.
- During week 20, 15 of the 1,114 hospital and non-sentinel GP patients tested for respiratory infections by Public Health Wales Microbiology tested positive for influenza (11 influenza A(H3N2), two influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and two influenza B ). A number of other causes of acute respiratory infection were identified.
In the UK and Europe
- As of week 19, influenza consultations increased England, but decreased in Scotland and Northern Ireland, remaining below baseline levels in all countries. UK summary data is available from the Public Health England National Influenza Report.
- The WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) report that as at week 19, influenza activity continues to be reported in some countries in the WHO European Region. For more information on European level influenza surveillance see Flu News Europe
World Overview
- The WHO reported on 16/05/2022 that influenza activity decreased or remained stable in the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere. In the temperate zones of the southern hemisphere, influenza activity remained low overall.
- See full WHO influenza update
COVID-19
MERS-CoV and H7N9 Updates
- On 28/04/2022 WHO reported an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Globally, 2,591 laboratory confirmed cases of human infection with MERS-CoV, including 894 associated deaths, have officially been reported to WHO since 2012.
- 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