Alaska state health officials reported outbreaks of
influenza-like
illness in most areas of the state during the last 2 weeks of
November. Although physicians have noted cases in adults, most
cases
have been reported in schoolchildren. Absentee rates in excess of
20%
have been reported in schools located near Anchorage, Fairbanks,
and
Juneau in association with increased influenza-like illness among
students.
Preliminary laboratory testing identified six type A(H3N2)
influenza viruses in specimens collected from patients in Anchorage
and Fairbanks, where sporadic influenza was reported from late
September to mid-October. Laboratory identification of viral
isolates
from the recent outbreaks is pending.
Reported by D Ritter, L Curtin, Northern Regional Laboratory, JP
Middaugh, MD, State Epidemiologist, Div of Public Health, Alaska
Dept
of Health and Social Svcs; Div of Field Svcs, Epidemiology Program
Office, Influenza Br, Div of Viral Diseases, Center for Infectious
Diseases, CDC.
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