This post was created on 09/12/2019.

State influenza and influenza-like illness (ILI) activity:

In weeks 35 to 36, influenza and ILI activity increased in Florida but remained low overall. Activity levels remained similar to those observed at this time in past years. Modest increases are expected over the coming weeks as we approach the start of the traditional influenza season.

Annual vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza and its potentially severe complications. Now is the perfect time to get vaccinated.

In weeks 35 to 36, six new respiratory disease outbreaks were reported. Twenty respiratory disease outbreaks have been reported since May 19, 2019 (when the traditional influenza season ended). Of those, 12 had laboratory evidence of influenza.

No new influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported in weeks 35 to 36. Six influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported since the beginning of the 2018-19 season. Annual vaccination is the best way to protect children from influenza.

In weeks 35 to 36, three (42.9%) of the seven specimens submitted to the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories for influenza testing were positive for influenza: one influenza A (H3) and two influenza B Victoria lineage.

Since March 2019, the percent of specimens testing positive for rhinovirus remained higher than other respiratory viruses under surveillance.

 

Julia Munroe, MS

Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist

Bureau of Epidemiology

Division of Disease Control and Health Protection

Florida Department of Health

Office Phone: 850-901-6936