Winter health watch summary: 14 January 2016

Published 31 March 2016

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1. Summary

1.1 Cold Weather alert

A level 2 cold weather alert ‘Alert and readiness’ was issued on Friday 8 January for many parts of England. This has been extended and upgraded today. A level 3 alert ‘Severe weather action’ is now in place for the whole of England.

1.2 Flu

In week 1 2016 (ending 10 January 2016), influenza activity was at similar or higher levels across surveillance schemes, including GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rates, the proportion of laboratory samples positive for influenza and influenza admissions to hospitals and ICU. The Department of Health has issued an alert on the prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs.

1.3 Syndromic surveillance

There was nothing new to report during week 1 2016. Indicators of ILI remained stable and within seasonally expected levels.

1.4 Norovirus

The number of laboratory reports of norovirus in this season (since week 27 2015) is 1771. This is 34% lower than the average number for the same period in the 5 seasons from season 2010 and 2011 to season 2014 and 2015 (2698), and 65% lower than the same weeks last season. Reports of outbreaks of diarrhoea and vomiting in hospitals continue to be reported but at lower levels than in previous years.

1.5 Rotavirus

The level of rotavirus laboratory reporting is currently at similar levels to previous years. The level of Laboratory reports is 13% lower compared to the 10 season average (from season 2003 and 2004 to season 2012 and 2013).

1.6 All-cause mortality

Up to week 50 2015, 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. Mortality data will be updated in next week’s report.