Seasonal influenza surveillance (2009–2017) for pandemic preparedness in the WHO South-East Asia Region
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Abstract
Background Influenza causes seasonal outbreaks each year and periodically causes a pandemic.The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS)has contributed to global understanding of influenza patterns, but limited regional analysis hasoccurred. This study describes the virological patterns and influenza surveillance systems in the 11countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region.Methods Virological data were extracted in January 2018 from FluNet, GISRS’s web-based reportingtool, for 10 of the 11 countries that had data available for the years 2009 to 2017. Descriptive data for2017 on influenza surveillance systems, including the number of sentinel sites, case definitions andreporting frequency, were collected through an annual questionnaire.Results Data on surveillance systems were available for all 11 Member States, and 10 countriesreported virological data to FluNet between 2009 and 2017. Influenza surveillance in the region andnational participation increased over the 8 years. Seasons varied between countries, with someexperiencing two peak seasons and others having one main predominant season. Bangladesh,Indonesia and Myanmar have only one season: Bangladesh and Myanmar have a mid-year patternand Indonesia an end-year pattern. Influenza A was the predominant circulating type for all yearsexcept 2012 and 2016, when A and B co-circulated. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was dominant in 2009and 2010 (77% and 76%, respectively), 2015 (72%) and 2017 (54%); influenza A(H3) accountedfor approximately half of the positive specimens in 2011 (46%), 2013 (51%) and 2014 (47%); andinfluenza B (lineage not determined) made up over 49% of positive specimens in 2012.Conclusion Although the timings of peaks varied from country to country, the viruses circulating withinthe region were similar. Influenza surveillance remains a challenge in the region. However, timelyreporting and regional sharing of information about influenza may help countries that have later peaksto allow them to prepare for the potential severity and burden associated with prevailing strains.
Citation
Members of the WHO South-East Asia Region Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (2020). Seasonal influenza surveillance (2009–2017) for pandemic preparedness in the WHO South-East Asia Region. WHO South-East Asia Journal of Public Health, 9(1), 55 - 65. World Health Organization. Regional Office for South-East Asia. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/331834. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO
Journal
WHO South-East Asia Journal of Public Health, 9(1): 55 - 65
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2224-3151 (Print)
2304-5272 (Electronic)
2304-5272 (Electronic)
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English