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Influenza A (H1N1) update
08/10/2009
The latest figures about the incidence of influenza A (H1N1) in Scotland have been published today.
This is the second week that data has been presented from the new Scottish Influenza surveillance reporting scheme. 732 GP practices are now supplying figures, compared to 58 in previous weeks. This allows a more comprehensive picture of consultation rates.
Today's findings are:
- A rate of GP consultations for flu-like illnesses - not necessarily H1N1 - across Scotland of 86.1 per 100,000. This is a decrease from last weeks figure of 103.7 but still higher than we would expect at this time of year.
- The number of community samples that tested positive for H1N1 has decreased from 34.1 per cent last week to 16.4 per cent this week.
- These rates suggest that an estimated figure of 2,377 have consulted their GP. However, taking account of the number of people having H1N1 but not consulting their GP, HPS estimate that around 6,800 people have contracted H1N1 in the past week.
- As of October 7, there have been 208 people with influenza A (H1N1) hospitalised since the start of the outbreak. 36 people have required hospital admission in the last week and, as of yesterday, there were 24 in hospital in Scotland. 36 represents the highest number of weekly admissions to hospital since the outbreak began.
- There have been ten deaths linked to influenza A (H1N1) since the start of the outbreak.
- Although there are increased absence levels currently in a few schools, these instances are localised and do not signal an overall increase in absence levels in schools across Scotland this past week.
Speaking about the weekly reported figures, Ms Sturgeon said:
"This week's figures show a decrease in the number of people consulting their GP with flu-like symptoms and the number of overall estimated cases.
"Flu epidemics by their very nature are unpredictable and weekly increases and decreases are to be expected. However this does not mean that we can be complacent about the threat presented by the H1N1 outbreak and it is likely that we will see further increases over the next few weeks.
"Hospitalisations continue to increase and this means that it is even more vital that those deemed at risk do all they can to protect themselves including taking advantage of the forthcoming vaccination programme.
"The news that the second manufacturer, Baxters, have now also had a license granted by the European Commission means that the vaccination programme can begin as soon as vaccines are distributed and reach GP practices.
"Even if H1N1 continues to be a relatively mild virus for most people affected, its effects on the health service and on the wider community could be highly disruptive. That is why we continue to press ahead with our plans for responding to the virus and the impact of seasonal flu."
Rates of GP consultations for flu-like illness per 100,000 population in Scottish NHS Boards
Ayrshire and Arran - 54
Borders - 69
Dumfries and Galloway - 62
Fife -85
Forth Valley - 111
Grampian - 109
Greater Glasgow and Clyde - 76
Highland - 47
Lanarkshire - 99
Lothian - 66
Orkney - 62
Shetland - 48
Tayside - 108
Western Isles - 136
Scotland - 86
Population figures per board area, mid-year 2008 estimates (GROS)
Ayrshire and Arran - 367,510
Borders - 112,430
Dumfries and Galloway - 148,580
Fife - 361,815
Forth Valley - 290,047
Grampian - 539,630
Greater Glasgow and Clyde - 1,194,675
Highland - 309,900
Lanarkshire - 561,174
Lothian - 817,727
Orkney - 19,890
Shetland - 21,980
Tayside - 396,942
Western Isles - 26,200
Scotland - 5,168,500