Influenza monthly update, March 2020

In March 2020, many countries reported data to FluNet and EMFLU, namely Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

The proportion of tested cases for influenza in the Region was 83% out of 6 998 enrolled cases; 8.3% of cases tested positive, and 91.7% negative.

Influenza geographic spread

Figure 1: Influenza geographic spread by type and subtypes

Influenza activity by sub-type

In northern Africa, Influenza activity decreased in Tunisia with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 most frequently detected followed by influenza B viruses while Morocco reported sporadic cases of influenza A and B.

In Western Asia, influenza activity continued to decrease in Qatar with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses most frequently detected and in Saudi Arabia with influenza B predominantly circulating. Lebanon, oPt and Yemen reported sporadic cases of both influenza A and B viruses.

In southern Asia, the Islamic Republic of Iran reported decrease influenza activity with influenza B most frequently detected.

Source of transmission zones

Weekly positive cases of influenza by subtype

Figure 2: Circulating influenza viruses by subtype

Circulating influenza viruses by sub-type

Figure 3: Circulating influenza viruses in the EMR by subtype

Sources

FluNet

EMFLU

Related link

Influenza monthly update, March 2020