Syndromic surveillance summary: 8 February 2024 week 5
Updated 25 April 2024
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Reporting week 5: 29 January to 4 February.
During week 5, there were further increases observed across a number of respiratory syndromic indicators in children aged 1 to 4 and 5 to 14 years. However, nationally NHS 111 cold/flu calls, emergency department (ED) acute respiratory infections and GP in-hours and ED influenza-like illness indicators remained stable overall. There were further increases in GP in-hours consultations and ED attendances for scarlet fever during week 5.
Remote health advice syndromic surveillance system
During week 5, NHS 111 calls and online assessments for cold/flu remained stable overall. There were continued increases observed in fever calls in the 1 to 4 years age group, and cough calls in children aged 1 to 4 and 5 to 14 years. Sore throat calls and online assessments also increased. Eye problems calls increased during week 5 in children aged under 5 years.
Access the remote health advice syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK
GP in hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 5, there were further increases in GP in-hours consultations for upper respiratory tract infections particularly in children aged 1 to 4 and 5 to 14 years. Influenza-like illness remained stable nationally but there were increases noted in the 1 to 4 years and 65+ years age groups. Consultations for scarlet fever continued to increase in children aged 5 to 14 years, however rates remain similar to seasonally expected levels. The consultation rate for measles remained elevated and above baseline levels during week 5.
Access the GP in-hours syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK
GP out-of-hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 5, GP out-of-hours contacts for acute respiratory infections increased slightly overall but with a further increase noted in children aged 1 to 4 years. Influenza-like illness contacts decreased overall during week 5, while gastrointestinal indicators remained stable and in line with seasonally expected trends.
Access the GP out-of-hours syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK
Emergency department syndromic surveillance system
During week 5, ED attendances for acute respiratory infections remained stable but elevated, however there were further increases observed in the 5 to 14 years age group. There was a further increase in attendances for scarlet fever, particularly in children aged 5 to 14 years; attendances remain above seasonally expected levels.
Access the emergency department syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK
Ambulance syndromic surveillance system
During week 5, daily ambulance calls for difficulty breathing and ‘cardiac or respiratory arrest’ remained stable. Calls for ‘overdose or injection or poisoning’ continued to increase, in line with expected trends.
Access the ambulance syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK