FLU/INFLUENZA SEASON EUROPE 2018. Update.

Influenza activity continued to increase in the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere while in the temperate zone of the southern hemisphere activity was at inter-seasonal levels. Worldwide, influenza A(H3N2) and B viruses accounted for the majority of influenza detections although influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses were predominant in some countries.

• In Europe, influenza activity increased above baseline levels in most countries in Northern and Southwestern Europe with sharp increases in respiratory illness indicators in some countries. Activity remained low in countries in Eastern Europe. Influenza B virus detections remained frequent and the subtype of the influenza A viruses detected varied depending on the country and the surveillance system (outpatient or inpatient systems). Please contact our doctor if symptoms persist more than 2-3 days and you experience a high fever, wheezing, acute tiredness, intense headaches or difficulty breathing.
• In North America, overall influenza activity continued to increase in the region, with detections of predominantly influenza A(H3N2) viruses.
• In Western Asia, increasing influenza activity was reported in Israel and Jordan with predominantly influenza B and A(H1N1)pdm09 virus detections, respectively.
• In Central Asia, low to no influenza activity was reported.
• In East Asia, influenza activity continued to increase in recent weeks. In both Northern and Southern China, ILI and influenza activity continued to increase, with influenza B Yamagata-lineage viruses predominantly detected followed by influenza A(H3N2) viruses. Increasing detections of influenza B and A(H3N2) viruses were reported in the Republic of Korea.
• In South East Asia, low levels of influenza activity were reported.
• In Southern Asia, increased influenza activity was reported in Iran with detection of all seasonal subtypes.
• In Northern Africa, influenza activity was predominantly due to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus detections. Activity increased in Egypt and Morocco; and Tunisia reported sharp increases in activity.
• In Western Africa, influenza activity continued at lower levels compared to previous weeks. Detections of predominantly influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses were reported from Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Togo. In Middle Africa, Cameroon reported activity with influenza A and B viruses and the Democratic Republic of Congo reported detections of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses. In Eastern Africa, sporadic influenza detections were reported in Madagascar, Mozambique, and the United Republic of Tanzania.
• In the Caribbean and Central American countries, low to no influenza activity was reported.
• In the tropical countries of South America, low to no influenza activity was reported.
• In the temperate zone of the Southern Hemisphere, influenza activity decreased overall to inter-seasonal levels.