Influenza activity in Tunisia: 2014-2015 season

Abstract

Introduction : Influenza is an important public health problem; it is a major cause of morbidity and leads to considerable socio-economic consequences. The aim of this study was to assess influenza activity for the 2014-2015 season in Tunisia. Methods : Influenza surveillance data was used for data analysis. It was obtained from National Program for Surveillance and Control of influenza which involves the National Influenza Centre (NIC) as well as a network of 268 sentinel sites for reporting influenza-like illness (ILI). The NIC receives biological specimen from the ILI sentinel sites as well as from university hospitals. The case definition of ILI was that recommended by WHO “acute respiratory illness, and measured fever ≥ 38°C, and cough, and onset in previous 10 days”. Results : Influenza activity was relatively moderate at the national level during the 2014-15 season. It differed significantly according to age (p Conclusion : The 2014-2015 influenza season was marked by a moderate disease burden of influenza-associated ILI and a co-circulation of three influenza viruses. Reliable surveillance data is needed to provide decision-makers with the evidence necessary for public health policies on influenza prevention and control. Determining influenza viruses in circulation ensures the adequacythe vaccine and eventually detection of new influenza viruses with pandemic potential.