Regional Update, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses. Epidemiological Week 5 (10 February 2023)

ABSTRACT

[WEEKLY SUMMARY]. North America Influenza activity was low overall in the subregion. Influenza A(H3N2) continued predominating with the co-circulation of A(H1N1)pdm09 and B/Victoria. The SARS-CoV-2 activity increased, while RSV activity decreased. In Canada, influenza activity continues to decline, with A(H1N1)pdm09 predominance. In Mexico, influenza activity was within expected levels for this time of year, with severity indicators at low levels. SARS-CoV-2 activity was elevated; similarly, RSV activity was increased. In the United States, influenza activity was low overall, with the percentage of deaths due to pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19 above the average of previous seasons and declining. Caribbean Influenza activity increased in the subregion with B/Victoria predominance, A(H1N1)pdm09, and A(H3N2) co-circulation. Belize reported increased influenza B/Victoria activity; influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) were co-circulated. In the subregion, SARS-CoV-2 activity was moderate, while RSV activity remained at baseline levels. Central America Influenza activity was moderate, with influenza B virus predominance and A(H3N2) co-circulation. Guatemala reported increased influenza activity with influenza B/Victoria circulation; SARI activity was elevated, with 40% of sampled cases positive for RSV. El Salvador, Honduras, and Panama reported increased influenza activity at low-intensity levels. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 percent positivity decreased in the subregion except in Costa Rica. RSV activity remained low in the subregion. Andean Influenza activity was low, with the predominance of influenza B/Victoria viruses. Among influenza, A subtyped viruses, A(H1M1)pdm09 predominated. Influenza B/Victoria lineage was raised in Bolivia, and SARI cases were low. In Ecuador, influenza activity was low. SARS-CoV-2 activity was elevated in Ecuador and moderate in Colombia but decreasing. In the subregion, RSV activity was low overall. Brazil and Southern Cone Influenza activity was low, with influenza B viruses more frequently detected and co-circulated B/Victoria and A(H1N1)pdm09. Paraguay reported increased influenza B (lineage undetermined) activity at low-intensity levels. Severity indicators were low. SARS-CoV-2 activity was moderate in some countries and decreasing. Brazil and Chile continue reporting increased RSV activity. Avian Influenza A summary of the avian influenza situation in the region, case management and recommendations are available at Epidemiological alerts and updates | PAHO/WHO | Pan American Health Organization (paho.org)