7 January 1998. A H 5 N 1 virus detected in Hong Kong, the rest of Europe awaits the expected annual increase in influenza activity associated with more familiar influenza viruses. During October and November, moderate increases in acute respiratory morbidity were reported from Poland and Germany, which may have been associated with activity of other pathogens. A H 3 N 2 virus was first isolated in France, from a young girl who was an imported case. In the same week, influenza B virus infection was confirmed in Belgium and Belarus.
Limited information is available about the antigenic characteristics of recent European isolates.
The first localised outbreak of the season was reported from northern France in early December, and was caused by influenza A H 3 N 2 virus. Several Internet sites collate and summarise information from influenza surveillance schemes in European countries and also provide links to Internet sites for national surveillance schemes. The site is updated weekly. Updated weekly or more frequently during periods of high activity. The scheme collects timely clinical and virological data in a standard format and aims to provide early warning of influenza activity.