Related Experiment Videos
Annual report of the National Influenza Surveillance Scheme, 1998
L Halliday1, L Roberts, A Hampson
1National Centre for Disease Control, Department of Health and Aged Care, Canberra.
Abstract:
The National Influenza Surveillance Scheme includes data from sentinel general practice consultations for influenza-like illness, laboratory reports of influenza and absenteeism rates from a national employer. The 1998 season was dominated by an increase in influenza A in all States and Territories and low influenza B activity. All influenza A isolates were characterised as influenza A (H3N2). Peak activity in 1998 was recorded in July and August. Data are coordinated, analysed and disseminated at a national level and published in Communicable Diseases Intelligence during the influenza season.
Insights
The 1998 influenza season saw a significant rise in influenza A (H3N2) across Australia, with minimal influenza B activity. Surveillance data tracked the peak of this widespread influenza A outbreak during July and August.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Virology
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- The National Influenza Surveillance Scheme monitors influenza activity.
- Understanding seasonal influenza trends is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the characteristics and trends of the 1998 Australian influenza season.
- To analyze data from sentinel practices, laboratories, and employer absenteeism.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from sentinel general practice consultations for influenza-like illness.
- Incorporated laboratory reports of confirmed influenza cases.
- Included absenteeism rates from a national employer for surveillance.
Main Results:
- The 1998 season was characterized by a dominant increase in influenza A.
- All identified influenza A isolates were subtyped as A (H3N2).
- Influenza B activity was notably low throughout the season, with peak activity observed in July and August.
Conclusions:
- Influenza A (H3N2) was the primary driver of the 1998 influenza epidemic in Australia.
- National surveillance effectively captured the geographic spread and temporal dynamics of the outbreak.