Maryland State Health Alert

Last week, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Laboratories Administration confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing 3 cases of influenza A H3N2 and 1 case of influenza B in 4 Baltimore Metropolitan Area children. These are the first PCR-confirmed cases in Maryland for the 2012-2013 influenza season. In contrast, the first PCR confirmation of the 2011-2012 influenza season was in late December 2011. Whether or not this signals an earlier influenza activity peak this season is not known; however, DHMH would like to remind Maryland healthcare providers of the following:

1.  Influenza vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza, and vaccine supplies are plentiful; 2.  Vaccination is recommended for all persons over 6 months old; and 3.  Providers should consider influenza as a cause in patients presenting with influenza-like illness and should consider antiviral treatment, particularly in patients at risk for complications of influenza, including: a.  Children less than 2 years old b.  Adults 65 years old and older c.  Pregnant women and women up to 2 weeks from the end of pregnancy d.  People with underlying chronic medical conditions