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Annual report of the National Influenza Surveillance Scheme, 2008
Marlena Kaczmarek1, Rhonda Owen, Ian G Barr
1Office of Health Protection, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. marlena.kaczmarek@health.gov.au
Abstract:
The 2008 influenza season was moderate overall, with fewer laboratory-confirmed cases and influenza-like illness (ILI) presentations than in 2007, which was the most severe influenza season since national reporting of influenza began in 2001. In 2008, the number of laboratory-confirmed notifications for influenza was 1.9 times higher than the 5-year mean. High notification rates were reflected in an increase in presentations with ILI to sentinel general practices and emergency departments. Notification rates were highest in the 0-4 year age group. Unusually, the season was predominantly due to influenza B, with 54% of notifications being influenza B and 43% being influenza A (3% type unknown). The rate of influenza B was higher among the younger age groups, compared with influenza A, which was more common in the older age groups. Of influenza viruses circulating during the 2008 season, A(H3) viruses were predominant and were antigenically similar to the 2008 A(H3) vaccine strain, while the majority of A(H1) strains showed significant drift away from the 2008 A(H1) vaccine strain. There were approximately equal proportions of viruses from the 2 influenza B lineages B/Yamagata and B/Victoria.
Insights
The 2008 influenza season saw more laboratory-confirmed cases than average, primarily driven by influenza B. Influenza B was more common in younger children, while influenza A affected older age groups.
Area of Science:
- * Virology
- * Epidemiology
- * Public Health
Background:
- * The 2008 influenza season followed the most severe season on record in 2007.
- * National influenza surveillance data provides a benchmark for seasonal activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To describe the epidemiology and virology of the 2008 influenza season.
- * To compare the 2008 season with previous years and assess vaccine strain match.
Main Methods:
- * Analysis of laboratory-confirmed influenza notifications.
- * Review of influenza-like illness (ILI) presentations to sentinel general practices and emergency departments.
- * Characterization of circulating influenza virus strains, including antigenic analysis.
Main Results:
- * The 2008 season was moderate overall but had 1.9 times higher laboratory-confirmed notifications than the 5-year mean.
- * Influenza B predominated (54%), with higher rates in younger children (0-4 years), while influenza A (43%) was more common in older individuals.
- * Influenza A(H3) was predominant and antigenically similar to the vaccine strain; however, A(H1) strains showed significant antigenic drift.
Conclusions:
- * The 2008 influenza season was characterized by a predominance of influenza B, particularly in young children.
- * Antigenic drift in A(H1) strains suggests potential implications for vaccine effectiveness.
- * Surveillance data highlights the importance of monitoring influenza B lineages and A(H1) evolution.
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