Winter health watch summary: 17 November 2016

Q: 2. Surveillance reports updated weekly

PHE syndromic surveillance page PHE national seasonal influenza report PHE norovirus and rotavirus: summary of surveillance PHE weekly all-cause mortality surveillance

Q: 3. Further information

NHS Choices winter website Met Office Get Ready for Winter Keep warm keep well: information for over 60s, low income families and people living with a disability

Q: 4. Planning resources

Cold weather plan for England Annual flu programme

Published 30 March 2017

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/winter-health-watch-summary-30-march-2017/winter-health-watch-summary-17-november-2016

1. Summary

1.1 Cold Alert

All regions are currently at Level 1 – ‘Winter Preparedness and Action’. Temperatures and weather conditions are not expected to exceed Cold Weather Alert threshold criteria in any region until further notice.

1.2 Flu

During week 45 (ending 13 November 2016), influenza activity is at low levels and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) continues to circulate.

1.3 Syndromic Surveillance

During week 45 there were continued increases in seasonal respiratory conditions, including bronchitis/bronchiolitis in young infants, in line with RSV activity.

There were also further increases in vomiting and gastroenteritis, especially in children aged <15 years.

1.4 Norovirus

The number of laboratory reports of norovirus in this season* (since week 27 2016) is 1098. This is 1% lower than the average number for the same period in the 5 seasons from season 2011 and 2012 to season 2015 and 2016 (1108), and 38% higher than the same weeks last season. Reports of outbreaks of diarrhoea and vomiting in hospitals continue to be reported at similar levels to previous years.

1.5 Rotavirus

The number of laboratory reports of rotavirus in this season* (since week 27 2016) is 776. This is 3% higher than the 10 season average for the same period in the seasons 2003 and 2004 to 2012 and 2013 (755)**. Rotavirus laboratory reports are currently at similar levels to previous years.

1.6 All-Cause Mortality

In week 45 2016, no statistically significant excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen through the EuroMOMO algorithm in England overall and by age group and across the devolved administrations.

*In order to capture the winter peak of activity in 1 season, for reporting purposes, the norovirus and rotavirus season runs from week 27 in year 1 to week 26 in year 2, for example week 27 2009 to week 26 2010, July to June.

**Comparison is made with this ten season period as it is prior to the vaccine introduction.