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 has decreased to low 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 12 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 11 reported through the GP Sentinel Surveillance of Infections Scheme was 6.3 consultations per 100,000 practice population (latest data available).
- The rate increased compared to week 10 (6.1 consultations per 100,000) (latest data available).
Virological surveillance update
- 153 surveillance samples from patients with ILI symptoms collected by sentinel GPs and community pharmacies during Week 12. Of the 153 samples, 13 tested positive for influenza A (eight influenza A(H1N1), two influenza A(H3), and three influenza A(not subtyped)), seven influenza B, 19 rhinovirus, 14 seasonal coronaviruses, 14 mycoplasma, nine hMPV, six parainfluenza, three adenovirus, three SARS-CoV2 and two RSV as at 27/03/2024)
- During week 12, 1,462 hospital and non-sentinel GP patient samples underwent full respiratory screen multiplex testing by Public Health Wales Microbiology, of which, 107 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 decreased in the most recent week and remains at low 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 43 and 6 respectively during Week 12, and 19 for SARS-CoV-2 during week 12.
- 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 20/03/2024, based on data up to 10/03/2024 that in the northern hemisphere, influenza activity continued to decline although small increases were reported in some countries in Northern Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean.
- In the Southern hemisphere, influenza activity is low, however some countries in Tropical South America and South East Asia reported increases in activity since the previous week.
- Influenza A predominated in both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres.
- 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