Seasonal Influenza (Flu)

Seasonal Flu: International Situation Update

Global Flu Activity Update

January 30, 2012

International Map of Flu Outbreaks and Activity The following summary of key influenza-related updates is based upon regional World Health Organization (WHO) reports, country reports, CDC field staff updates and other sources. Updates are listed by region. Reporting weeks may vary by country.

Northern Temperate Region

Activity: low but increasing
Source: WHO

Canada

Activity: low overall but increasing in some parts of the country through January 14
Virology: influenza A(H3N2) viruses have predominated
Source: Public Health Agency of Canada

Europe

Activity: relatively low but increasing as of the third week in January
Recent trend: percent of sentinel specimens that were influenza-positive increased from 21% to 29% during the second to third weeks in January
Virology: nearly 95% of influenza-positive specimens were influenza A, and 99% of subtyped influenza A specimens were influenza A(H3N2)
Sources: WHO and Euroflu

China

Activity: increased through December and into mid-January
Recent trend: percentage of influenza-positive respiratory specimens increased sharply from 28% to 32% during the weeks ending January 8 and 15
Virology: influenza B viruses have predominated in both north and south China, comprising 94% of influenza-positive samples
Source: Chinese National Influenza Center

North Africa and Eastern Mediterranean Region

Activity: increasing; increases especially pronounced in Algeria, Tunisia, and Iran
Virology: influenza A(H3N2) viruses have predominated
Source: WHO

Tropical Region

Costa Rica

Activity: reported as persistent
Virology: influenza A(H3N2) viruses have predominated
Source: WHO PAHO

Mexico

Activity: increasing as of second week in January
Virology: 2009 H1N1 viruses have predominated, unlike in most areas of the temperate Southern Hemisphere
Source: WHO PAHO