Abstract:

In the winter and spring of 2018~2019, influenza activity was reported globally, with seasonal influenza A viruses accounted for the majority of detections. In the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere influenza activity has increased since the beginning of November. Some countries have experienced high influenza activity, with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus most frequently detected followed by influenza A(H3N2) viruses, and the proportion of A(H3N2) influenza virus showed a significant upward trend. In the tropics, influenza activity was high in some countries. India and Laos reported regional outbreaks predominantly due to A(H1N1)pdm09,while the regional outbreak reported by Iran was dominated by A(H3N2). Since October 2018, influenza activity remained at inter-seasonal levels, with the exception of some parts of Australia where influenza activity remained above inter-seasonal levels. This article provides an overview of the global influenza activity from October 1, 2018 to March 3, 2019.

Key words: Global, Influenza, Epidemic, Review, World Health Organization