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Review
. 2017 Sep;28(3):225-232.
doi: 10.1007/s13337-017-0390-8. Epub 2017 Jul 18.

History and current trends in influenza virus infections with special reference to Sri Lanka

R A M Rafeek  1 , M V M Divarathna  1 , F Noordeen  1
Affiliations
Review

History and current trends in influenza virus infections with special reference to Sri Lanka

R A M Rafeek et al. Virusdisease. 2017 Sep.

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately one billion people are infected and up to 500,000 people die from influenza each year in the world. Influenza is considered to be the greatest killer of the human populations, due to the 1918 Spanish flu, which killed millions around the world. Despite the effective treatment available against influenza, it still contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. Currently circulating influenza strains in humans include influenza A (H1N1)pdm09, influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B viruses, (B/Victoria and B/Yamagata). Influenza has been prevalent in Sri Lanka from 1969, since then it continued to cause morbidity and mortality in children and adults. The current global influenza surveillance network monitors the global influenza activity through WHO collaborating centres. The Medical Research Institute monitors and diagnoses influenza cases in the country as part of the WHO network laboratories. Vaccinations to high risk groups and antiviral therapy for the successful prevention of influenza have been practiced in Sri Lanka. This review highlights the impact of influenza on public health in Sri Lanka including the historical aspects, current diagnostic practices and prevention approaches in high risk individuals in the country.

Keywords: Influenza; Morbidity; Mortality; Prevention; Public health; Sri Lanka.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Percentage of respiratory specimens tested positives for influenza by the influenza transmission zone as on the 25th December, 2016. Source: URL Adapted from WHO. http://www.who.int/influenza/surveillance_monitoring/updates/2017_01_23_influenza_update_281.jpg?ua=1
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Distribution of influenza in Sri Lanka by provinces in 2010 (a) and 2014 (b)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Number of specimens positive for influenza virus by subtypes in Sri Lanka from January 2015 to December 2016 (WHO, Flu net reports)
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Percentage of influenza A and B positive cases from 2006 to 2016 with all influenza cases (compiled using the data from the WHO, Flu net reports). The percentages were calculated using the data given for influenza A and B in Table 1
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