Furthermore, Influenza Flulike illnesses or ILI reported from December 26 to January 1, were recorded at 770; but decreased from 2-8 January 2023 to 350.
This was revealed in the latest Syndromic Surveillance report by the Ministry of Health released yesterday.
The report states that most health facilities have completed backlog reporting and that ILI cases reported.
The Ministry continues to observe a decrease in the number of COVID-19 testing and Influenza test requests received by the hospital laboratory.
Also, the surveillance team encourages the clinical team to collect samples to verify the causal agent and advice the laboratory team to prioritize the overseas referral of these samples to ensure a timely response.
Furthermore, the report says severe acute respiratory infection or SARI at Epi-week 52, cases were reported from TTMH (2) and Safotu DH (2).
No known links were identified from the case investigations; of the cases investigated, diagnosis included severe/unresolved pneumonia and bronchiolitis. All cases are required to be screened for COVID-19 (current or previous) infection and vaccination status.
The reporting of SARI cases has increased or strengthened due to an increased understanding of the case definitions.
Of the cases investigated, diagnosis included severe/unresolved pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
