Research and analysis

Syndromic surveillance summary: 5 September 2024 week 35

Updated 19 December 2024

Reporting week 35: 26 August to 1 September

During week 35 there were small increases observed in selected acute respiratory infection indicators, in line with expected seasonal trends. There was a small increase in emergency departments (ED) COVID-19-like attendances, particularly in adults. In general, syndromic indicators for ‘impact of heat’ remained at seasonally expected levels.

Remote health advice syndromic surveillance system

During week 35 there was a small increase in daily NHS 111 acute respiratory infections calls, however this was in line with seasonal expectations. NHS 111 diarrhoea and vomiting calls remained stable but above baseline. NHS 111 calls and online assessments for ‘heat exposure or sunburn’ were stable and similar to seasonally expected levels.

Remote health advice syndromic surveillance bulletins.

GP in hours syndromic surveillance system

During week 35 there was an increase in the GP in-hours consultation rate for pneumonia, particularly in the over 65 years age group. There were also small increases observed in lower respiratory tract infections and acute bronchitis, but both were in line with seasonal expectations. Whooping cough and measles consultations both remained stable during week 35 but above expected levels.

GP in-hours syndromic surveillance bulletins.

GP out-of-hours syndromic surveillance system

During week 35, there was a further small increase observed in acute respiratory tract infection contacts, particularly in adults aged 15 to 44 and 45 to 64 years, in line with the expected seasonal trend. There was also a small increase noted in contacts for acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis, again in line with expected trends.

GP out-of-hours syndromic surveillance bulletins.

Emergency department syndromic surveillance system

During week 35 there was a small increase in COVID-19-like ED attendances, particular across adult age groups. Attendances for ‘acute bronchiolitis or bronchitis’ increased slightly in infants under 1 year of age. There was a spike in ED attendances for ‘heat or sunstroke’ on 1 September, notably in London and the 15 to 64 years age groups, in line with a Yellow Heat-Health Alert in place across parts of England.

Emergency department syndromic surveillance bulletins.

Ambulance syndromic surveillance system

During week 35, daily ambulance calls for difficulty breathing and chest pain increased.

Ambulance syndromic surveillance bulletins.