FluWatch report: November 23 to November 29, 2014 (Week 48)

Overall summary

  • In week 48, laboratory detections of influenza increased sharply for the second consecutive week (twice the number detected in week 47) and hospitalizations with influenza also increased. The majority of laboratory detections and hospitalizations continued to be reported in BC, AB, ON and QC; but with increasing activity in SK and MB.
  • A(H3N2) continues to be the most common type of influenza affecting Canadians. In both laboratory detections and hospitalizations, the majority of cases have been among seniors ≥65 years of age.
  • Similar to the previous week, there was a large number of newly-reported laboratory-confirmed outbreaks of influenza in week 48: 21 reported in 5 provinces, of which 17 were in long-term care facilities.

Are you a primary health care practitioner (General Practitioner, Nurse Practitioner or Registered Nurse) interested in becoming a FluWatch sentinel for the 2014-15 influenza season? Contact us at FluWatch@phac-aspc.gc.ca

On this page

Download the alternative format
(PDF format, 307 KB, 10 pages)

Organization:
Date published: 2014-12-05

Influenza/ILI Activity (geographic spread)

In week 47, eleven regions (in BC(2), AB(2), SK(1), ON(3), QC(2), and PE(1)) reported localized activity and 15 regions (BC(2), AB(3), SK(1), MB(1), ON(1), QC(4), NS(1), NL(1) and YT(1)) reported sporadic activity (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Map of overall influenza/ILI activity level by province and territory, Canada, Week 48

Figure 1
Figure 1 Legend

Note: Influenza/ILI activity levels, as represented on this map, are assigned and reported by Provincial and Territorial Ministries of Health, based on laboratory confirmations, sentinel ILI rates and reported outbreaks. Please refer to detailed definitions at the end of the report. Maps from previous weeks, including any retrospective updates, are available on the Flu Activity website.

Figure 1 - Text Description In week 48, one region in BC reported widespread activity, 13 regions (in BC(1), AB(3), SK(1), ON(4), QC(3), and NL(1)) reported localized activity and 14 regions (BC(1), AB(2), SK(2), MB(2), ON(1), QC(3), NB(1), PE(1) and YT(1)) reported sporadic activity.

Influenza and Other Respiratory Virus Detections

In week 48, the number of positive influenza tests increased sharply for the second week in a row, to 630 influenza detections (15.2% of tests), predominantly due to influenza A (Figure 2).  To date, 94% of influenza detections have been influenza A, and 99% of those subtyped have been A(H3) (Table 1). The timing of the season and predominant A(H3N2) subtype is similar to the pattern observed during the 2012-13 influenza season. To date, among the cases of influenza A with reported age, the largest proportion was in adults ≥65 years of age (61%) (Table 2).

Figure 2. Number of positive influenza tests and percentage of tests positive, by type, subtype and report week, Canada, 2014-15

Figure 2
Figure 2 - Text Description

In week 48, the number of positive influenza tests increased sharply for the second week in a row, to 630 influenza detections (15.2% of tests), predominantly due to influenza A.

In week 48, detections of RSV continued to follow an upward trend, in keeping with its usual pattern of seasonal circulation. Detections of parainfluenza and adenovirus also continue to follow their seasonal patterns of broad winter circulation. Detections of rhinovirus peaked in week 39 and continue to follow a downward trend (figure 3).

For more details, see the weekly Respiratory Virus Detections in Canada Report.

Figure 3. Number of positive laboratory tests for other respiratory viruses by report week, Canada, 2014-15

Figure 3

RSV: Respiratory syncytial virus; hMPV: Human metapneumovirus

Figure 3 - Text Description In week 48, detections of RSV continued to follow an upward trend, in keeping with its usual pattern of seasonal circulation. Detections of parainfluenza and adenovirus also continue to follow their seasonal patterns of broad winter circulation. Detections of rhinovirus peaked in week 39 and continue to follow a downward trend.
Table 1: Weekly and cumulative numbers of positive influenza specimens by type, subtype and province, Canada, 2014-15
Reporting provincesFootnote 1 Weekly (November 23 to November 29, 2014) Cumulative (August 24 to November 29, 2014)
Influenza A B Influenza A B
A Total A(H1)pdm09 A(H3) A Footnote (Uns) B Total A Total A(H1)pdm09 A(H3) A(UnS) B Total
BC 32 0 22 10 0 131 2 118 11 9
AB 228 0 195 33 7 589 0 545 44 30
SK 14 0 9 5 1 25 0 14 11 1
MB 6 0 1 5 0 12 0 7 5 1
ON 82 0 57 25 1 206 4 147 55 16
QC 244 0 0 244 12 396 0 0 396 30
NB 1 0 1 0 0 3 0 1 2 0
NS 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2
PE 2 0 2 0 0 4 0 3 1 1
NL 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 0
Canada 609 0 287 322 21 1369 6 837 526 90
Percentage Footnote 2 96.7% 0.0% 47.1% 52.9% 3.3% 93.8% 0.4% 61.1% 38.4% 6.2%
Table 2. Weekly and cumulative numbers of positive influenza specimens by type, subtype and age-group reported through case-based laboratory reportingFootnote 1,Footnote 3, Canada, 2014-15
Age groups (years) Weekly
(November 23 to November 29, 2014)
Cumulative
(August 24 to November 29, 2014)
Influenza A B Influenza A B Influenza A and B
A Total A(H1) pdm09 A(H3) A Footnote (Uns) Total A Total A(H1) pdm09 A(H3) A (UnS) Total # %
<5 48 0 34 14 2 29 2 14 13 7 36 3.5%
5-19 52 0 35 17 4 71 2 36 33 9 80 7.8%
20-44 67 0 36 31 7 87 0 44 43 20 107 10.4%
45-64 72 0 27 45 7 159 0 105 54 13 172 16.8%
65+ 282 0 83 199 12 604 1 357 246 25 629 61.4%
Unknown 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0.1%
Total 521 0 215 306 32 951 5 556 390 74 1025 100.0%
PercentageFootnote 2 94.2% 0.0% 41.3% 58.7% 5.8% 92.8% 0.5% 58.5% 41.0% 7.2%    

Influenza Strain Characterizations

During the 2014-2015 influenza season, the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) has characterized 23 influenza viruses [10 A(H3N2) and 13 influenza B]. Two influenza A viruses were antigenically similar to A/Texas/50/2012, and 10 influenza B viruses were antigenically similar to the B/Massachusetts/2/2012 (Yamagata lineage) recommended by the WHO for the 2014-15 seasonal influenza vaccine. Eight influenza A(H3N2) viruses and three influenza B viruses showed reduced titers to antisera produced against strains recommended for the seasonal influenza vaccine (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Influenza strain characterizations, Canada, 2014-2015, N = 23

Figure 4

The NML receives a proportion of the number of influenza positive specimens from provincial laboratories for strain characterization and antiviral resistance testing. Characterization data reflect the results of haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) testing compared to the reference influenza strains recommended by WHO.

The recommended components for the 2014-2015 northern hemisphere trivalent influenza vaccine include: an A/California/7/2009(H1N1)pdm09-like virus, an A/Texas/50/2012 (H3N2)-like virus, and a B/Massachusetts/2/2012-like virus (Yamagata lineage). For quadrivalent vaccines, the addition of a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus is recommended.

Figure 4 - Text Description
Strain Number of specimens Percentage
A/Texas/50/2012-like 2 9%
reduced titres to A/Texas/50/2012 8 35%
A/California/07/2009-like 0 0%
reduced titres to A/California/07/2009 0 0%
B/Massachusetts/2/2012-like 10 43%
reduced titres to B/Massachusetts/2/2012 3 13%
B/Brisbane/60/2008-like 0 0%

Antiviral Resistance

During the 2014-2015 influenza season, NML has tested 49 influenza viruses for resistance to oseltamivir and zanamivir and all were sensitive to both agents. The 57 influenza A(H3N2) viruses tested for amantadine resistance were all resistant (Table 3).

Table 3. Antiviral resistance by influenza virus type and subtype, Canada, 2014-15
Virus type and subtype Oseltamivir Zanamivir Amantadine
# tested # resistant (%) # tested # resistant (%) # tested # resistant (%)
A (H3N2) 36 0 36 0 57 57 (100%)
A (H1N1) 0 0 0 0 0 0
B 13 0 13 0 NATable 3 - Footnote * NA Table 3 - Footnote *
TOTAL 49 0 49 0 57 46

Influenza-like Illness (ILI) Consultation Rate

The national influenza-like-illness (ILI) consultation rate increased in week 48 to 29.1 consultations per 1,000, which is above expected levels for week 48 (Figure 5).  To date this season, the rates have been highest among those <20 years of age.

Figure 5. Influenza-like-illness (ILI) consultation rates by report week, compared to the 1996-97 through to 2012-13 seasons (with pandemic data suppressed), Canada, 2014-2015

Figure 5

No data available for mean rate for weeks 19 to 39 for the 1996-1997 through 2002-2003 seasons. Delays in the reporting of data may cause data to change retrospectively. The calculation of the average ILI consultation rate over 17 seasons was aligned with influenza activity in each season. In BC, AB, and SK, data is compiled by a provincial sentinel surveillance program for reporting to FluWatch. Not all sentinel physicians report every week.

Figure 5 - Text Description

The national influenza-like-illness (ILI) consultation rate increased in week 48 to 29.1 consultations per 1,000, which is above expected levels for week 48.

Influenza Outbreak Surveillance

In week 48, 21 new outbreaks of influenza A were reported: 17 in long-term care facilities (LTCF), three in hospitals and one in another institutional or community setting  (Figure 6). Among the five LTCF outbreaks in which the influenza subtype was known, all were A(H3N2); the outbreak in another setting was associated with A(H1N1)pdm09. To date this season, 52 outbreaks in LTCF have been reported.

Figure 6: Overall number of new laboratory-confirmed influenza outbreaks by report week, Canada, 2014-2015

Figure 6

1 All provinces and territories except NU report outbreaks in long-term care facilities. All provinces and territories with the exception of NU and QC report outbreaks in hospitals. Outbreaks of influenza or influenza-like-illness in other facilities are reported to FluWatch but reporting varies between jurisdictions. Outbreak definitions are included at the end of the report.

Figure 6 - Text Description
Report week Hospitals Long Term Care Facilities Other
35 0 0 0
36 0 0 0
37 0 0 0
38 0 1 0
39 0 5 5
40 0 0 0
41 0 2 0
42 0 3 0
43 0 2 0
44 0 1 0
45 0 2 0
46 0 3 0
47 0 16 1
48 0 17 1

Pharmacy surveillance

During week 48, the proportion of prescriptions for antivirals increased to 35.5 antiviral prescriptions per 100,000 total prescriptions, which is in keeping with previous seasons (Figure 7).

Figure 7. Proportion of prescription sales for influenza antivirals by age-group and week, Canada, 2014-15

Figure 7

Note: Pharmacy sales data are provided to the Public Health Agency of Canada by Rx Canada Inc. and sourced from major retail drug chains representing over 2,500 stores nationwide (excluding Nunavut) in 85% of Health Regions. Data provided include the number of new antiviral prescriptions (for Tamiflu and Relenza) and the total number of new prescriptions dispensed by Province/Territory and age group. Age-groups: Infant: 0-2y, Child: 2-18y; Adult: 19-64y, Senior: ≥65y

Figure 7 - Text Description

Proportion of antiviral prescriptions per 100,000 total prescriptions in week 48 for the current season compared to previous seasons:
2014-15: 35.5; 2013-14: 21.8; 2012-13: 57.9; 2011-12: 19.1
Proportion of antiviral prescriptions by age-group in week 48 for the 2014-15 season:
Infant: 37.5; child: 63.0; adult: 38.9; senior: 23.0

Sentinel Hospital Influenza Surveillance

Paediatric Influenza Hospitalizations and Deaths (IMPACT)

In week 48, 13 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated paediatric (≤16 years of age) hospitalizations were reported by the Immunization Monitoring Program Active (IMPACT) network: 12 cases of influenza A and one case of influenza B (Figure 8a). To date this season, 51 hospitalizations have been reported by the IMPACT network, 46 (90%) of which were cases of influenza A. Among cases for which the influenza A subtype was reported, 35/37 were A(H3N2). The majority of cases (67%) were in children <5 years of age (Table 4). To date, six cases were admitted to the ICU (Figure 9a).

Note: The number of hospitalizations reported through IMPACT represents a subset of all influenza-associated paediatric hospitalizations in Canada. Delays in the reporting of data may cause data to change retrospectively.

Adult Influenza Hospitalizations and Deaths (PCIRN)

In week 48, 26 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated adult (≥16 years of age) hospitalizations were reported by the PHAC/CIHR Influenza Research Network (PCIRN) Serious Outcomes Surveillance (SOS) network: 25 cases of influenza A and one case of influenza B (Figure 8b). To date this season, 36 cases have been reported; 35 (97%) with influenza A. The majority of cases (83%) were among adults ≥65 years of age (Table 5). Two ICU admissions and one death have been reported, all adults ≥65 years of age with underlying conditions or comorbidities (Figure 8b).

Note: The number of hospitalizations reported through CIRN represents a subset of all influenza-associated adult hospitalizations in Canada. Delays in the reporting of data may cause data to change retrospectively.

Table 4 - Cumulative numbers of paediatric hospitalizations with influenza reported by the IMPACT network, Canada, 2014-15
Age groups Cumulative (Aug. 24, 2014 to November 29, 2014)
Influenza A B Influenza A and B
A Total A(H1) pdm09 A(H3) AFootnote (Uns) Total # (%)
0-5m 6 0 6 0 0 6(11.8%)
6-23m 8 1 7 0 0 8 (15.7%)
2-4y 17 1 13 3 1 18 (35.3%)
5-9y 7 0 4 3 3 10 (19.6%)
10-16y 8 0 5 3 1 9 (17.6%)
Total 46 2 35 9 5 51
% Footnote 1 90.2% 4.3% 76.1% 19.6% 9.8% 100.0%
Table 5 - Cumulative numbers of adult hospitalizations with influenza reported by the PCIRN-SOS network, Canada, 2014-15
Age groups Cumulative (November 23, 2014 to Niovember 29, 2015)
Influenza A B Influenza A and B
A Total A(H1) pdm09 A(H3) AFootnote (Uns) Total # (%)
16-20 2 0 0 2 0 2 (6%)
20-44 1 0 0 1 1 2 (6%)
45-64 2 0 1 1 0 2 (6%)
65+ 30 0 2 28 0 30 (83%)
Total 35 0 3 32 1 36
% Footnote 1 97% 0% 9% 91% 3% 100%

Figure 8 - Number of cases of influenza reported by sentinel hospital networks, by week, Canada, 2014-15

A) Paediatric hospitalizations (≤16 years of age, IMPACT)

Figure 8A
Figure 8A - Text Description
Report week Influenza A Influenza B
35 0 0
36 0 0
37 2 0
38 1 0
39 1 0
40 1 0
41 2 0
42 1 0
43 2 1
44 4 0
45 4 0
46 8 2
47 8 1
48 12 1

Figure 8B - Number of cases of influenza reported by sentinel hospital networks, by week, Canada, 2014-15

B) Adult hospitalizations (≥16 year of age, PCIRN-SOS)

Figure 8B
Figure 8B - Text Description
Semaine de déclaration Influenza A Influenza B Influenza de type inconnu
35 n/a n/a n/a
36 n/a n/a n/a
37 n/a n/a n/a
38 n/a n/a n/a
39 n/a n/a n/a
40 n/a n/a n/a
41 n/a n/a n/a
42 n/a n/a n/a
43 n/a n/a n/a
44 n/a n/a n/a
45 n/a n/a n/a
46 0 0 0
47 8 0 0
48 25 1 0

Figure 9 - Percentage of hospitalizations, ICU admissions and deaths with influenza reported by age-group, Canada, 2014-15

A) Paediatric hospitalizations (≤16 years of age, IMPACT)

Figure 9a
Figure 9A - Text Description
Age-group (years) Hospitalizations (n=51) ICU admissions (n=6)
0-5m 11.8% 0.0%
6-23m 15.7% 16.7%
2-4y 35.3% 33.3%
5-9y 19.6% 0.0%
10-16y 17.6% 50.0%

Adult hospitalizations (≥16 year of age, PCIRN-SOS)

Figure 9b
Figure 9B - Text Description
Figure 9 B) Adult hospitalizations (≥16 year of age, PCIRN-SOS)
Age-group (years) Hospitalizations (n=36) ICU admissions(n=2) Deaths (n=1)
16-20 5.6% 0.0% 0.0%
20-44 5.6% 0.0% 0.0%
45-64 5.6% 0.0% 0.0%
65+ 83.3% 100% 100%

Provincial/Territorial Influenza Hospitalizations and Deaths

In week 48, 50 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported from participating provinces and territoriesFootnote *; all but one with influenza A, and 78% were patients ≥65 years of age. Since the start of the 2014-15 season, 224 hospitalizations have been reported; 215 (96%) with influenza A. Among cases for which the subtype of influenza A was reported, 175/177 were A(H3N2). The majority of cases (59%) were ≥65 years of age (Table 6). Three ICU admissions have been reported in adults ≥65 years of age with influenza A. Eighteen deaths with influenza A have been reported: one child <5 years of age, one adult 45-64 years and 16 adults ≥65 years of age. Detailed clinical information (e.g. underlying medical conditions) is not known for these cases.

Table 6. Cumulative number of hospitalizations with influenza reported by the participating provinces and territories, Canada, 2014-15
Age groups Cumulative (24 August, 2014 to 29 November, 2014)
Influenza A B Influenza A and B
A Total A(H1) pdm09 A(H3) AFootnote (Uns) Total # (%)
0-4 years 21 1 18 2 0 21 (9%)
5-19 years 20 0 18 2 1 21 (9%)
20-44 years 21 1 18 2 2 23 (10%)
45-64 years 22 0 19 3 2 24 (11%)
65+ years 127 0 98 29 4 131 (58%)
Unknown 4 0 4 0 0 4 (2%)
Total 215 2 175 38 9 224
Percentage Footnote 1 96.0% 0.9% 81.4% 17.7% 4.0% 100.0%

See additional data on Reported Influenza Hospitalizations and Deaths in Canada: 2009-10 to 2014-15 on the Public Health Agency of Canada website.

Emerging Respiratory Pathogens

Human Avian Influenza
Influenza A(H7N9): Since the last FluWatch report, no new laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus have been reported by the World Health Organization. Globally to December 4, 2014, the WHO has been informed of a total of 458 laboratory-confirmed human cases with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, including 177 deaths.

Documents related to the public health risk of influenza A(H7N9), as well as guidance for health professionals and advice for the public is updated regularly on the following websites:

PHAC - Avian influenza A(H7N9)
WHO - Avian Influenza A(H7N9)

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

Since the last FluWatch report, 18 new laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV, including 4 deaths, have been reported by the World Health Organization. Globally, from September 2012 to December 4, 2014, the WHO has been informed of a total of 927 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 338 deaths. All cases have either occurred in the Middle East or have had direct links to a primary case infected in the Middle East. The public health risk posed by MERS-CoV in Canada remains low (see the PHAC Assessment of Public Health Risk).

Documents related to the public health risk of MERS-CoV, as well as guidance for health professionals and advice for the public is updated regularly on the following websites:

Avian Influenza A(H5)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)'s testing at the National Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases has confirmed the strain causing the avian influenza outbreak on two farms in the Fraser Valley as a highly-pathogenic H5N2 virus. No human cases have been reported. Avian influenza viruses do not pose risks to food safety when poultry and poultry products are properly handled and cooked. Avian influenza rarely affects humans that do not have consistent contact with infected birds. Further information on the outbreak is provided on the following CFIA website:

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)

Information related to enterovirus D68, as well as guidance for health professionals and advice for the public is updated regularly:

International Influenza Reports

FluWatch definitions for the 2014-2015 season

Abbreviations: Newfoundland/Labrador (NL), Prince Edward Island (PE), New Brunswick (NB), Nova Scotia (NS), Quebec (QC), Ontario (ON), Manitoba (MB), Saskatchewan (SK), Alberta (AB), British Columbia (BC), Yukon (YT), Northwest Territories (NT), Nunavut (NU).

Influenza-like-illness (ILI): Acute onset of respiratory illness with fever and cough and with one or more of the following - sore throat, arthralgia, myalgia, or prostration which is likely due to influenza. In children under 5, gastrointestinal symptoms may also be present. In patients under 5 or 65 and older, fever may not be prominent.

ILI/Influenza outbreaks

Schools:
Greater than 10% absenteeism (or absenteeism that is higher (e.g. >5-10%) than expected level as determined by school or public health authority) which is likely due to ILI.
Note: it is recommended that ILI school outbreaks be laboratory confirmed at the beginning of influenza season as it may be the first indication of community transmission in an area.
Hospitals and residential institutions:
two or more cases of ILI within a seven-day period, including at least one laboratory confirmed case. Institutional outbreaks should be reported within 24 hours of identification. Residential institutions include but not limited to long-term care facilities ( LTCF) and prisons.
Workplace:
Greater than 10% absenteeism on any day which is most likely due to ILI.
Other settings:
two or more cases of ILI within a seven-day period, including at least one laboratory confirmed case; i.e. closed communities.

Note that reporting of outbreaks of influenza/ILI from different types of facilities differs between jurisdictions.

Influenza/ILI activity level

1 = No activity: no laboratory-confirmed influenza detections in the reporting week, however, sporadically occurring ILI may be reported

2 = Sporadic: sporadically occurring ILI and lab confirmed influenza detection(s) with no outbreaks detected within the influenza surveillance region Footnote

3 = Localized:

  1. evidence of increased ILIFootnote * and
  2. lab confirmed influenza detection(s) together with
  3. outbreaks in schools, hospitals, residential institutions and/or other types of facilities occurring in less than 50% of the influenza surveillance regionFootnote

4 = Widespread:

  1. evidence of increased ILIFootnote * and
  2. lab confirmed influenza detection(s) together with
  3. outbreaks in schools, hospitals, residential institutions and/or other types of facilities occurring in greater than or equal to 50% of the influenza surveillance regionFootnote

Note: ILI data may be reported through sentinel physicians, emergency room visits or health line telephone calls.

We would like to thank all the Fluwatch surveillance partners who are participating in this year's influenza surveillance program.

Page details

Date modified: