Syndromic surveillance summary: 25 January 2024 week 3
Updated 19 December 2024
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Reporting week 3: 15 January to 21 January 2024
During week 3, there were increases observed in children aged 1 to 4 and 5 to 14 in total syndromic activity and across a number of respiratory indicators. In particular, increases were noted in NHS 111 calls for cold/flu and fever and emergency department (ED) attendances for acute respiratory infections and influenza-like illness (ILI). There were also some increases noted in gastroenteritis, diarrhoea and vomiting indicators, again in groups aged 1 to 4 years and 5 to 14 years.
Remote health advice syndromic surveillance system
During week 3, NHS 111 calls for cold/flu and fever increased, but particularly in children aged 1 to 4 and 5 to 14 years. There were also increases observed in these age groups across other respiratory indicators. NHS 111 calls and online assessments for vomiting increased during week 3.
Remote health advice syndromic surveillance bulletins
GP in-hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 3, GP in-hours consultation rates for upper respiratory tract infections increased in children aged 1 to 4 and 5 to 14 years. There was also an increase noted in ILI consultations in children aged 5 to 14 years. The consultation rate for measles remained stable overall during week 3 but activity remains above baseline levels nationally.
GP in-hours syndromic surveillance bulletins
GP out-of-hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 3, daily GP out-of-hours acute respiratory infections contacts were stable overall but increased in children aged 1 to 4 and 5 to 14 years. Fever contacts also increased in these age groups. ILI contacts increased, mostly in adults, and remain elevated above baseline levels. There were increases in gastroenteritis and vomiting during week 3, particularly noted in children aged 1 to 4 and 5 to 14 years.
GP out-of-hours syndromic surveillance bulletins
Emergency department syndromic surveillance system
During week 3, total ED attendances increased in children aged 1 to 4 and 5 to 14 years. Attendances for acute respiratory infections increased, but particularly in groups aged 1 to 4 and 5 to 14 years. Attendances for ILI increased across all age groups, but attendances in children aged 5 to 14 years increased sharply during week 3. Attendances for scarlet fever increased in groups aged 1 to 4 and 5 to 14 years. ‘Impact of cold’ attendances peaked during the week and decreased over the weekend returning to expected levels.
Emergency department syndromic surveillance bulletins
Ambulance syndromic surveillance system
During week 3, daily ambulance calls for difficulty breathing increased and calls are currently above baseline levels. Daily ‘impact of heat/cold’ calls remained elevated in line with the Amber Cold-Health Alert for England that was in place during week 3.