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Annual report of the National Influenza Surveillance Scheme, 2006
1Office of Health Protection, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. epi@health.gov.au
Abstract:
Influenza surveillance in Australia is based on laboratory isolation of influenza viruses, sentinel general practitioner reports of influenza-like illness, and absenteeism data from a major national employer. In 2006, 3,130 cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza were reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, which was one-third lower than in 2005. The influenza season started in mid-June, with peak activity in late August. Influenza A was the predominant type notified (71%), however influenza B activity continued to increase as a proportion of reported cases. Reports of influenza-like illness from sentinel general practitioners showed a slow but steady increase throughout the first half of the year to peak in late August. In 2006, 657 influenza isolates from Australia were antigenically analysed: 402 were A(H3N2), 24 were A(H1N1) and 231 were influenza B viruses. Continued antigenic drift was seen with the A(H3N2) viruses from the previous reference strains (A/California/7/2004 and A/New York/55/2004) and drift was also noted in some of the A(H1N1) strains from the reference/ vaccine strain A/New Caledonia/20/99, although very few A(H1N1) viruses were isolated in Australia in 2006. The B viruses isolated were predominately of the B/Victoria-lineage and similar to the reference/vaccine strain B/Malaysia/2506/2004.
Insights
In 2006, Australia reported fewer laboratory-confirmed influenza cases, with Influenza A being dominant. Antigenic drift was observed in Influenza A (H3N2) and A (H1N1) strains, while Influenza B viruses were mainly B/Victoria-lineage.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Influenza surveillance in Australia relies on laboratory virus isolation, general practitioner reports of influenza-like illness, and employer absenteeism data.
- In 2006, the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System reported 3,130 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases, a decrease from 2005.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological and antigenic characteristics of influenza viruses circulating in Australia during 2006.
- To monitor trends in influenza activity and identify potential changes in circulating strains.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory isolation and confirmation of influenza viruses.
- Analysis of influenza-like illness reports from sentinel general practitioners.
- Antigenic analysis of 657 influenza isolates (402 A(H3N2), 24 A(H1N1), 231 B).
Main Results:
- The 2006 influenza season peaked in late August, with Influenza A comprising 71% of notified cases.
- Antigenic drift was detected in A(H3N2) and some A(H1N1) strains compared to reference strains.
- Influenza B viruses were predominantly of the B/Victoria-lineage, similar to the vaccine strain B/Malaysia/2506/2004.
Conclusions:
- Influenza A was the predominant type in Australia in 2006, with ongoing antigenic drift in key subtypes.
- Continued monitoring of influenza virus evolution is crucial for vaccine effectiveness and public health strategies.
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