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Sporadic influenza activity reported in a few regions of the country

During week 41, sporadic activity was reported in Alberta (northern region) and Ontario (Toronto and central east regions), while the rest of the country reported no activity (see map). In week 41, 2 (0.2%) of the 1,159 specimens tested for influenza virus were positive, both for influenza A (see table). Nine (90%) of the 10 influenza detections so far this season were influenza A viruses. The ILI consultation rate remained low with a rate of 13 per 1,000 patient visits in week 41 (see ILI graph) with a sentinel response rate of 57%. ILI consultation rates were highest among children in regions reporting ILI activity in week 41. There have been no influenza outbreaks reported so far this season.

Antigenic Characterization:
The National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) has reported one influenza strain characterizations for the 2006-2007 influenza season (see pie chart). The strain identified was an A/Wisconsin/67/2005(H3N2)-like virus from Ontario. In addition, the isolate was found to be resistant to amantadine. Late 2005-2006 influenza isolates included A/Wisconsin/67/2005 (H3N2)-like, A/New Caledonia/20/1999 (H1N1)-like, and B/Malaysia/2506/2004-like strains, which are the strains included in the 2006-2007 Canadian influenza vaccine.

Influenza-associated Pediatric Hospitalizations:
During week 41, no new laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated pediatric hospitalizations were reported through the Immunization Monitoring Program Active (IMPACT) network. One case has been reported to IMPACT since the start of this influenza season.

International:
CDC: During week 40, low levels of influenza activity were reported in the United States. Three (0.4%) of the specimens tested were positive for influenza. The proportion of patient visits for ILI and the proportion of deaths due to pneumonia and influenza remained below baseline levels. Influenza strains characterized from May 21 to September 30 included: A/California/7/2004(H3N2)-like, A/Wisconsin/67/2005(H3N2)-like, A/New Caledonia/20/99(H1N1)-like, and B/Ohio/01/2005-like viruses.

• CDC

EISS: In week 41, low levels of influenza activity were reported in Europe and consultations rates for ILI remained at baseline levels. Over 90% of the laboratory confirmed cases since week 35/2006 (N=14) have been influenza A, but it is too early to say which virus type or sub-type will become dominant in Europe this season.

• EISS

Human Avian Influenza:
Since 13 October 2006, the WHO reported 3 new cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus in Indonesia. All three cases were fatal.

• WHO

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Antiviral Resistance
In January 2006, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommended that health care providers in Canada not prescribe amantadine to treat and prevent influenza during the 2005-2006 influenza season following testing showing viruses in circulation at the time in Canada and the US were resistant to the drug.

Total number of influenza tests performed and number of positive tests by province/territory of testing laboratory, Canada, 2006-2007

Specimens from NT, YT, and NU are sent to reference laboratories in other provinces.

Note: Cumulative data includes updates to previous weeks; due to reporting delays, the sum of weekly report totals do not add up to cumulative totals.

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)

Respiratory virus laboratory detections in Canada, by geographic regions, are available weekly on the following website:
<http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/bid-bmi/dsd-dsm/rvdi-divr/index.html>

Number of influenza surveillance regions† reporting widespread or localized influenza activity, Canada, by report week, 2006-2007 (N=76)

† sub-regions within the province or territory as defined by the provincial/territorial epidemiologist. Graph may change as late returns come in.

Influenza Activity Level by Provincial and Territorial Influenza Surveillance Regions, Canada, October 8, 2006 to October 14, 2006 (Week 41)
	No Data No Activity Sporadic Activity Localized Activity Widespread Activity
Note: Influenza 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 (see graphs and tables) and outbreaks. Please refer to detailed definitions. For areas where no data is reported, late reports from these provinces and territories will appear on the FluWatch website. Select single maps by report week to get this updated information. <http://dsol-smed.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dsol-smed/fluwatch/fluwatch.phtml?lang=e> Click on the map to view provinces/territories and maps for other weeks.

Influenza tests reported and percentage of tests positive, Canada, by report week, 2006-2007

Percent positive influenza tests, compared to other respiratory viruses, Canada, by reporting week, 2006-2007

Influenza strain characterization, Canada, cumulative, 2006-2007 influenza season by the Respiratory Viruses Section at the National Microbiology Laboratory
[N=1]

{Strain characterization, number identified, per cent of total number}

NACI recommends that the trivalent vaccine for the 2006-2007 season in Canada contain A/New Caledonia/20/1999 (H1N1)-like, A/Wisconsin/67/2005 (H3N2)-like, and B/Malaysia/2506/2004-like virus antigens.

Influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rates, Canada, by report week, 2006-2007 compared to 1996/97 through to 2005/06 seasons

Note: No data available for mean rate in previous years for weeks 19 to 39 (1996-1997 through 2002-2003 seasons).

Number of New Outbreaks in Long Term Care Facilities, Canada, by Report Week, 2006-2007

Please note that the above graphs may change as late returns come in.

Definitions for the 2006-2007 season

[FluWatch]