Philadelphia Influenza Surveillance Updates:

PDPH tracks influenza activity in Philadelphia, especially severe influenza disease. Providers should report all hospitalized influenza cases, influenza deaths in children, and influenza outbreaks in closed settings like long-term care facilities and shelters.

Week 23: For week 23, flu-like illnesses at emergency departments decreased for pediatric and adolescents age groups. Additionally, 30 specimens were reported as positive for influenza A or B from our sentinel hospitals. Influenza activity has continued to decrease in the past few weeks, though activity remains higher than previous seasons. Since Oct 3, 2021, there have been 249 reports of severe influenza (Philadelphia resident, positive by rapid test, PCR or culture, and hospitalized for ≥ 24 hrs). Thirteen influenza outbreaks have been reported this season (≥ 1 case of lab confirmed flu reported in a long term care facility or other high-risk congregate setting). No influenza-associated death was reported for week 23, and five have been reported thus far this season.

Current Report: Click here to download the last weekly report of influenza activity (from June 5 through June 11, 2022) in a printable format.

State and National Influenza Surveillance Updates:

Pennsylvania: As of June 11, 2022, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) reported that flu activity decreased significantly, with low activity overall; however, activity is still higher than previous seasons for this time of year. There have been 85,266 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza (positive by rapid test, PCR, or culture) reported so far this season, with influenza A remaining as the predominant type. There have been confirmed reports from all 67 counties. Sixty five deaths have been reported so far this season. One pediatric death has been reported. For more information, please visit: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Flu/Pages/2021-22-Flu.aspx

United States: As of June 11, 2022, the CDC reported that seasonal influenza was decreasing nationwide. In week 23, clinical laboratories reported 1,877 specimens (3.4%) of 55,572 specimens tested positive for influenza. The majority of virus detections have been influenza A(H3N2). Outpatient visits for respiratory illness declined in week 23. Hospitalizations for influenza also decreased, and overall have continued trending downwards. Three jurisdictions reported moderate activity and no jurisdictions reported very high influenza activity. For more information, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm