September 30, 2018 officially began the 2018-2019 influenza season. Since the 2017-2018 influenza season was one of the most severe seen in several years, it is important to be prepared for the upcoming season. The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health would like to remind stakeholders of the mandatory reporting requirements for the 2018-2019 season.
Influenza Reporting Guidelines for Facilities, Providers, and Laboratories
- Influenza Outbreaks: Report to the local health department (LHD)
- Novel Influenza Infections: Report to the LHD
- Influenza-Related Pediatric Death (age ≤17) : Report to the LHD within one
- Positive Influenza Tests: Laboratories complete and submit a weekly reporting form to the Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services, Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology (DIDE), which can be obtained by contacting DIDE or visiting https://dhhr.wv.gov/oeps/disease/flu/Pages/default.aspx.
- Positive tests (by type/subtype) and number of tests run are reported in
- Rapid antigen detection tests and serology are not to be
- Reporting period is Sunday through Saturday, with reporting due the following
Additionally, the Bureau would like to thank all partners for their continued participation in influenza surveillance. The information provided has assisted DIDE in its efforts to identify circulating types and strains of influenza viruses and to characterize the population at greatest risk of complications from infection. Information gathered from surveillance guides statewide efforts that help protect the health of the citizens of West Virginia.
For more information on influenza, including annual influenza vaccination recommendations, surveillance reports, and other resources, visit DIDE’s website at: https://dhhr.wv.gov/oeps/disease/flu/Pages/default.aspx. You may also contact your LHD or DIDE at 1-800-423-1271 ext. 1 or (304) 558-5358, ext. 1.