Abstract
Background. The Daily Information Plan for Acute Respiratory Infections in Catalonia (PIDIRAC) encompasses the surveillance of respiratory viruses that circulate during the flu season with virological and morbidity and mortality indicators. The objective of the study is to portray the clinical, epidemiological and virological features of the 2017-2018 influenza season. Methods: The sample consists of cases reported by PIDIRAC’s sentinel network of primary and hospital care during the 2017-2018 influenza season. The confirmation technique used was PCR and/or viral isolation in cell culture from respiratory sample. Results: Cumulative incidence rate for this season was of 2,295.27 cases × 100,000 inhabitants, being the highest rate in 0-4 years (6,921.96 x 105 h.). Peak incidence (413.3 × 100,000 h) was achieved on week 3. A total of 1,298 severe confirmed influenza hospitalized cases (SCIHC) were reported, of which 18% required admission to ICU and 12.2% were exitus. The mean of age of SCIHC was 75.2 years (SD: 26.7 years), 65.5% were older than 64 years. 70.8% were not vaccinated; 91.3% received antiviral treatment, in 84% and 40.8% of cases before 48 hours of admission and of beginning of symptoms, respectively. 60.3% of the cases identified influenza virus B –Yamagata lineage– and 39.7% virus A –54.6% AH1N1pdm09 and 45.4% AH3N2 in those subtyped.
Conclusions: The 2017-2018 influenza season was of moderatehigh intensity with an increase in the number of SCIHC even though mortality was at similar level as in previous seasons. The predominant virus was influenza B, lineage Yamagata and in the second half of the season an increase in the circulation of virus A –both H1N1pdm09 and H3N2– extending the duration of the epidemic wave.
Keywords
Seasonal flu; Respiratory viruses; Epidemics
Bibliographic citation
Torner N, Martinez A, Basile L, Jané M, Mosquera MM, Marcos MA, et al. Balanç de la temporada gripal 2017-2018 a Catalunya. Butll Epidemiol Catalunya. 2018;39(11):239-248.
Audience
Professionals
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