The following snapshot influenza information is provided as a service from the San Antonio Metro Health District.  For additional information call our Flu Hotline at 210-207-5779.

NATIONAL Snapshot

2009-2010 Influenza Season Week 45 ending November 14, 2009

During week 45 (November 8-14, 2009) influenza activity decreased slightly in the U.S.

During week 45, seasonal influenza A (H1N1) and influenza B viruses co-circulated at low levels with 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses. Over 99% of all subtyped influenza A viruses reported to CDC this week were 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses.

From August 30 – November 14, 2009, 26,315 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations and 1,049 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated deaths were reported to CDC. CDC will continue to use its traditional surveillance systems to track the progress of the 2009-10 influenza season.

Since August 30, 2009, CDC has received 138 reports of influenza-associated pediatric deaths that occurred during the current influenza season (24 deaths in children less than 2 years old, 16 deaths in children 2-4 years old, 50 deaths in children 5-11 years old, and 48 deaths in children 12-17 years old). One hundred thirteen (82%) of the138 deaths were due to 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infections, and the remaining 25 were associated with influenza A virus for which the subtype is undetermined. A total of 171 deaths in children associated with 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been reported to CDC.

TEXAS Snapshot

Reports were received from all Health Service Regions (HSRs) for week 45. All HSRs reported a decreased level of flu activity compared to week 44.  No school closures or institutional outbreaks were reported during week 45.

There have been 1,568 hospitalization and 164 deaths in Texas due to influenza since as 11/14/2009.

SAN ANTONIO/BEXAR COUNTY Snapshot

Surveillance indicators for this past week continue to show a downward trend of influenza like activity for Bexar County.  It appears that we are currently in a period of decreased influenza activity; however we expect to see another increase as we approach the traditional rise in seasonal influenza during the next several weeks.  Seventeen deaths associated with the H1N1 influenza virus have been reported in Bexar County. 

Metro health continues to support the local independent school districts as they prepare and plan for vaccination clinics in the coming weeks.  School districts plan to begin vaccinating elementary and/or other high risk children after the Thanksgiving holiday.  Community immunizations events on a large scale such as at the Alamodome are on hold until a sufficient supply of H1N1 vaccine is provided to Metro Health by the state. Many healthcare providers in Bexar County currently have supplies of H1N1 vaccine and are providing immunizations to patients. To date, the state has reportedly shipped over 174,000 doses to medical providers in Bexar County. Please check with you primary care provider regarding availability.

Fernando A. Guerra, M.D., M.P.H.

Director of Health