Regional Update, Influenza. Epidemiological Week 29 (3 August 2022)

Regional Update, Influenza. Epidemiological Week 29

North America: Overall, influenza activity decreased in the subregion while SARS-CoV-2 continued elevated. In Mexico, influenza activity with A(H3N2) virus predominance decreased, while SARS-CoV-2 positivity continued to increase. SARI activity remained at moderate-intensity levels, whereas ILI activity rose to high-intensity levels, driven by the SARS-CoV-2 circulation. In the United States, influenza activity was low, with influenza A(H3N2) virus predominance. In addition, RSV activity remained stable compared to previous weeks, while SARS-CoV-2 activity increased with higher COVID-19-associated hospitalizations.

Caribbean: Influenza activity remained low, with the predominance of the influenza A(H3N2) virus. Belize and the Dominican Republic, reported increased SARS-CoV-2 activity, with increased SARI cases, although below the epidemic thresholds, except in Haiti, with levels above average for this time of year. In the Dominican Republic, RSV activity remained elevated at levels seen in the pre-pandemic period with SARS-CoV-2 cocirculation.

Central America: Influenza activity continued to decrease in the subregion, with influenza A(H3N2) virus predominance. In Nicaragua, influenza activity increased to moderate-intensity levels, with the A(H3N2) virus predominance. SARS-CoV-2 activity rose across the subregion, with increased levels in Costa Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala. Influenza and SARS-CoV-2-associated ILI counts remained at moderate levels in Guatemala.

Andean Countries: Influenza activity remained low with A(H3N2) predominance, except in Bolivia and Peru where circulation increased above epidemic levels.SARS-CoV-2 activity continued to increase in Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru.

Brazil and Southern Cone: Overall, influenza activity remained at low levels with influenza A(H3N2) predominance and driven by its circulation in Chile and Uruguay. SARS-CoV-2 activity continued to increase throughout the subregion. Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay reported SARI activity elevated above epidemic levels for the period, with RSV and SARS-CoV-2 predominance in Chile and Uruguay, while SARS-CoV-2 predominated in Paraguay.