As Canadians gear up for the holiday season, influenza cases are on the rise throughout the country. Federal health officials have reported a significant uptick in Influenza A detections, outbreaks, and hospitalizations as winter approaches.
The most recent update from the Government of Canada, released on December 5 and covering data up to November 29, reveals that 13% of influenza tests came back positive, indicating a steady increase in influenza activity nationwide. Out of the 3,655 laboratory-confirmed cases that week, 99% were attributed to Influenza A, predominantly the A(H3N2) subtype.
Health authorities emphasize that all signs of influenza activity are on the upswing, with outbreaks and hospitalizations escalating just in time for the holiday season. They are urging Canadians to stay alert, especially vulnerable groups such as seniors and children who are most susceptible to the current strains.
Influenza activity has been reported in 48 regions across 12 provinces and territories. British Columbia and Quebec have experienced widespread activity, while Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia have reported localized outbreaks.
Sporadic cases of influenza have been observed in the Northwest Territories, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island, among other regions. No influenza activity has been detected in Yukon, some areas of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and certain parts of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Since August 24, over 10,000 cases of influenza have been reported nationwide, with 98% identified as Influenza A. Among the subtyped cases, the A(H3N2) strain accounted for 63% of the cases.
Keyphrase: Influenza activity Canada
