CDC Flu Map: Week Ending 12/29/12

During week 52 (December 23-29), influenza activity increased in the U.S.

Viral Surveillance: Of 9,363 specimens tested and reported by U.S. World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories, 2,961 (31.6%) were positive for influenza.

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

Influenza-Associated Pediatric Deaths: Two influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported and were associated with influenza B viruses.

Outpatient Illness Surveillance: The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) was 5.6%; above the national baseline of 2.2%. Nine of 10 regions reported ILI above region-specific baseline levels. New York City and 29 states experienced high ILI activity; 9 states experienced moderate ILI activity; 4 states experienced low ILI activity; 6 states experienced minimal ILI activity, and the District of Columbia and 2 states had insufficient data.

Geographic Spread of Influenza: Forty-one states reported widespread geographic influenza activity; 7 states reported regional activity; the District of Columbia reported local activity; 1 state reported sporadic activity; Guam reported no influenza activity, and Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 1 state did not report.