Regional Update, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses. Epidemiological Week 7 (24 February 2023)

ABSTRACT

[WEEKLY SUMMARY]. North America Influenza activity was low in the subregion. Influenza A virus predominated, with co-circulating A(H3N2) and A(H1N1)pdm09. All influenza B viruses with determined lineage were B/Victoria. The SARS-CoV-2 and RSV activity decreased in the subregion. In Canada, influenza activity decreased overall, with A(H1N1)pdm09 predominance. In Mexico, influenza activity was low, while SARS-CoV-2 and RSV activity remained elevated. In the United States, influenza activity was low nationally. Caribbean Influenza activity was elevated with a decreasing trend. Influenza A and B viruses were equally detected. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and influenza B/Victoria co-circulated. In French Guyana, influenza activity was elevated but decreasing. SARS-CoV-2 activity was low in the subregion, with RSV activity at baseline levels except in Jamaica, where RSV activity was increased. Central America Influenza activity was moderate, with the circulation of influenza B/Victoria virus. No influenza A virus detections were reported. Guatemala reported increased influenza activity with influenza B/Victoria circulation; severity indicators were at baseline levels. El Salvador and Honduras reported increased influenza activity at moderate-intensity levels; severity indicators were at baseline levels. SARS-CoV-2 percent positivity decreased in the subregion, except in Costa Rica and Panama. RSV activity remained elevated in Guatemala but is decreasing. Andean Influenza activity was low, predominating influenza B/Victoria viruses; influenza A(H3N2) and A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses co-circulated. In Bolivia, influenza activity was elevated with B/Victoria circulation and SARI cases at moderate-intensity levels, with 50% of sampled cases positive for influenza. Ecuador reported increased influenza activity at a low-intensity level; severity indicators were at low-intensity levels. SARS-CoV-2 activity was elevated in Ecuador and Peru. 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. In Paraguay, influenza activity was elevated at a low-intensity level, with influenza B (lineage undetermined) circulating; severity indicators were low. SARS-CoV-2 activity was low, except in Brazil and Chile, while RSV activity remains elevated in Brazil. 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)