In Canada, Influenza A Cases Surge Ahead of Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches, influenza activity is on the rise across Canada, according to federal health officials. The latest report from the Government of Canada, covering data until Nov. 29, reveals a significant increase in detections, outbreaks, and hospitalizations linked to Influenza A.
The data shows a rising trend nationwide, with 13% of influenza tests returning positive results. In the surveillance week 48 alone, there were 3,655 laboratory-confirmed detections, with Influenza A making up 99% of the cases, primarily the A(H3N2) subtype.
Health officials are raising alarm as all indicators point to a surge in influenza activity, especially with holiday gatherings on the horizon. They emphasize the importance of staying vigilant, particularly for vulnerable groups like seniors and children who are most at risk from the current strains.
Influenza activity has been reported in 48 regions across 12 provinces and territories, with widespread cases in British Columbia and Quebec. Some localized activity has also been noted in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
While sporadic influenza activity has been reported in regions like the Northwest Territories, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island, no cases have been detected in Yukon, some parts of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and other areas.
Since August 24, over 10,000 influenza detections have been recorded nationwide, with Influenza A accounting for 98% of the cases. Among the subtyped cases, A(H3N2) has been the most prevalent, making up 63% of the cases.
Keyphrase: Influenza A Cases