Regional Update, Influenza. Epidemiological Week 17 (10 May 2022)

ABSTRACT

[WEEKLY SUMMARY]. North America Overall, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 activity remained at low levels. In Canada, influenza activity increased above the average of previous seasons for this period at low intensity levels, and SARS-CoV-2 activity decreased and remained at low levels. In Mexico, influenza activity remained stable below the average of previous seasons, and SARS-CoV-2 activity decreased. In the United States, influenza activity varied within regions and continued to increase in some states with influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominating. Caribbean Influenza activity remained at low levels, with predominating influenza A(H3N2), and overall, SARS-CoV-2 activity continued to decline. In Belize, influenza activity and percent positivity increased. In Jamaica and Saint Lucia, SARS-CoV-2 percent positivity increased at low levels compared to the previous seasons. In Puerto Rico, the percentage of visits for influenza-like illness continued to increase to high levels for this time of year. Central America Overall, influenza activity remained low and SARS-CoV-2 activity decreased in most countries. In El Salvador, influenza activity remained above-average levels at low-intensity levels. In Panama, SARS-CoV-2 activity and percent positivity increased compared to previous seasons. Andean Overall, influenza activity remained low with A(H3N2) predominance. SARS-CoV-2 activity continued to decline in most countries. In Ecuador, influenza activity decreased to above-average baseline levels for previous years; and RSV activity was higher than in previous years, except in 2015 and 2016. In Peru, influenza activity increased but remained at low levels compared to previous weeks. Brazil and Southern Cone Overall, influenza activity decreased with the predominance of A(H3N2). SARS-CoV-2 activity decreased. In Brazil, RSV percent positivity increased to high-intensity levels above the levels observed in 2021, but below the levels of 2016-17 and 2019; and SARS-CoV-2 activity remained above the levels observed in 2021. In Argentina, influenza activity increased at high intensity levels and SARS-CoV-2 activity slightly increased.