Although influenza activity remains low across the U.S., it is increasing, particularly among children, and the flu has become a nationwide outbreak in Japan, with an increase in cases of nearly 20% over 2023. In the U.S., the percent positivity for flu has remained low, at 1.6% at clinical labs, where nearly 93% of detections are influenza A. However, there has been a slight increase in emergency department visits for children and teens.
Related to hospitalizations for flu, 2010-2023 trends show that most occur in those 65 and older as well as those with underlying conditions. While antiviral use decreased during that period, molecular assays became the primary method for identification of cases.
It is interesting to note that the rebound of flu levels, following the decrease during the pandemic, coincided with the resurgence in air travel. This shows not only that the virus can survive significant circulation disruption, but also that the flu can be easily spread from person to person around the globe. It is just such distinction that we have also seen with the Marburg virus, on which we reported in an October article. While the threat to the US remains low for Marburg as well, TAG members have seen large signs in airports warning travelers who have been to Rwanda to be aware of and watch for any symptoms (e.g., Atlanta), and screening for symptoms taking place for these travelers at others (e.g., JFK, O’Hare, etc.).
The increase in global cases of any communicable disease should be seen as notice that there is potential for increase in the US as well, particularly because of today’s rate of travel. And as that increases during the holidays, so too does the potential for transmission. Keep yourself and others safe by maintaining healthy habits – washing hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, and maintaining distance from others who are ill.
COVID Risk Matrix:
Influenza:
- As TAG had previously reported in mid-October, the FDA had placed a hold on continuing trials of COVID-19/Influenza combination vaccine and a stand-alone influenza vaccine from Novavax due to a reported serious adverse event. After investigation and resolution, this hold has now been lifted and the trials can resume.
- A new report from the WHO shows that during 2000–2023, an estimated 60.3 million measles deaths were averted by vaccination. Measles vaccination rates dropped during the pandemic, but they have now recovered. While this is overall good news, the total number of cases increased 20% during this time, but more of them were in countries with lower risk for death. There is a need for continued encouragement for vaccine uptake and especially that all children receive 2 doses of the vaccine.
- A recent report about an H5N1 outbreak in elephant seals and other marine animals in Argentina highlights that this virus may be becoming more transmissible among mammals.
- The Korean CDC reported its first whooping cough death since 2011, in a 2-month-old baby. Cases in South Korea are at least 30,000 to date, a significant increase from 292 cases in 2023.
- California has reported the nation’s first case of clade 1 mpox, involving a traveler returning from an affected African country. The individual is isolating at home and recovering. Health officials emphasize that there is no evidence of clade 1 mpox spreading within California or the United States. Samples have been sent to the CDC for further analysis, and public health workers are contacting those who may have had close contact with the patient. Officials urge eligible individuals to get vaccinated and avoid close contact with known cases as a precaution.
