Abstract
During the 2020-2021 Canadian influenza season, no community circulation of influenza occurred. Only 69 positive detections of influenza were reported, and influenza percent positivity did not exceed 0.1%. Influenza indicators were at historical lows compared with the previous six seasons, with no laboratory-confirmed influenza outbreaks or severe outcomes being reported by any of the provinces and territories. Globally, influenza circulation was at historically low levels in both the Northern and the Southern Hemispheres. The decreased influenza activity seen in Canada and globally is concurrent with the implementation of non-pharmaceutical public health measures to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although it is difficult to predict when influenza will begin to re-circulate, given the increased COVID-19 vaccination and the relaxation of public health measures, an influenza resurgence can be expected and may be more severe or intense than recent seasons. Influenza vaccination, along with non-pharmaceutical public health measures, continues to remain the best method to prevent the spread and impact of influenza. Public health authorities need to remain vigilant, maintain surveillance and continue to plan for heightened seasonal influenza circulation.
Highlights
Norovirus is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in Ontario, Canada [1,2,3]
Between 2009 and 2014, 41.5% of viral gastroenteritis (VGE) outbreaks, 63.4% of VGE laboratory submissions and 36.6% of all acute gastroenteritis-related telehealth calls were attributed to norovirus and norovirus-like illness in Ontario
We describe the epidemiology of norovirus in the province of Ontario, Canada using confirmed outbreak data, laboratory testing data, and telemedicine calls with vomiting calls as a proxy
Summary
Norovirus is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in Ontario, Canada [1,2,3]. It comprises roughly 50% of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) (all aetiologies) [4]. Its high morbidity rate is due to its low infectious dose (approximately 18–1,000 viral particles), various transmission routes, extended viral shedding, short-lasting immunity and persistence in the environment [5,6]. Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in Canada. The objective of this article is to describe the epidemiology of norovirus in the province of Ontario, Canada from 2009 to 2014
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