CDC Flu Map: Week Ending 01/12/2013

During week 2 (January 6-12), influenza activity remained elevated in the United States, but decreased in some areas.

Viral Surveillance: Of 12,360 specimens tested and reported by collaborating laboratories, 3,638 (29.4%) were positive for influenza.

Pneumonia and Influenza Mortality: The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was above the epidemic threshold.

Influenza-Associated Pediatric Deaths: Nine influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported.

Influenza-Associated Hospitalizations: A cumulative rate for the season of 18.8 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations per 100,000 population was reported. Among all cases, 49.6% were in adults 65 years and older.

Outpatient Illness Surveillance: The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) was 4.6%; this is above the national baseline of 2.2%. All 10 regions reported ILI above region-specific baseline levels. Thirty states and New York City experienced high ILI activity; 10 states experienced moderate activity; 7 states experienced low activity; 3 states experienced minimal activity, and the District of Columbia had insufficient data.

Geographic Spread of Influenza: Forty-eight states reported widespread geographic influenza activity; 2 states reported regional activity; the District of Columbia reported local activity; Guam reported no influenza activity, and Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands did not report.