The Ministry of Health and Wellness has noted an increase in respiratory illness up to the epidemiological week (EW) ending November 11, 2023 (i.e. EW 45).  Increased numbers alone are not considered unusual for this time of the year, however, concerning levels were seen in the preceding week.    

Fever & Respiratory Symptoms in Ages 5 years and older by EW 2023

Fig 1:  Fever and Respiratory symptoms by EW for 2023

The main agents identified were influenza viruses – Influenza AH1N1, AH3N2 as well as Influenza B virus as per Fig 2 below.  Few cases of Covid-19 and no cases of respiratory syncitial virus (RSV) as are circulating in North America were seen.  A few cases of the common cold virus – Rhinovirus were also evident.

Respiratory Viruses by EW 2023

Fig 2: Respiratory Viruses by EW 2023

The public is encouraged to practise good respiratory hygiene and appropriate hand washing or hand sanitising.  Vulnerable persons such as those with NCDs or asthma, as well as health care workers, are encouraged to take the seasonal influenza vaccine.

The increased incidence of Dengue Fever continues, with 1126 suspected and 165 PCR confirmed cases as of EW 45.   Dengue virus type 2 was the predominant virus identified from cases comprising 60 per cent of isolates followed by type 3.  There were only five type 1 cases seen earlier in the year.   However, numbers had not yet reached the outbreak threshold for the month of November.

Fig 3: Confirmed Dengue cases by month 2017 -2023

The public is encouraged to continue protection from mosquito bites and the removal of breeding sites for the vector from around their premises.   Providers are encouraged to record the date of the onset of symptoms as well as location information for patients to facilitate vector control activities.