MDCH - Influenza Testing and Surveillance

Influenza Testing & Surveillance
Bureau of Laboratories

Routine Seasonal Influenza Resources

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Pandemic and Avian Influenza

www.michigan.gov/flu- A State of Michigan web site dedicated to influenza (flu).
www.michigan.gov/prepare- A State of Michigan web site dedicated to emergency preparedness.
www.pandemicflu.gov- The National Influenza Preparedness web site.
Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines- These biosafety guidelines have been developed for Michigan laboratories handling and processing specimens associated with influenza.
MDCH Bureau of Laboratories (BOL) Influenza A Test Algorithm- This test algorithm covers seasonal influenza testing, suspect avian influenza testing, and pandemic influenza testing. It will be updated as the situation requires.
CDC Guidelines for Avian Influenza (H5N1).
The MDCH lab has the capacity to perform Influenza A, Influenza B, A H1, A H3, A H5 PCR as a part of our Pandemic Influenza response. At WHO Pandemic Influenza Level 3 or Level 4 with no confirmed cases in Michigan, this testing requires pre-approval through our Bureau of Epidemiology. (517-335-8165 or 517-335-9030, after hours). Specific information on this testing.
To expedite receipt of laboratory results, we urge all submitters to register for fax transmittal of reports. Fax agencies receive their reports the day testing is completed. This is especially important for those submitting specimens for H5 PCR testing. Non-fax agencies receive reports via the U.S. Post Office. This method will delay your report by several days. Registration information.

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2008-2009 Influenza Season Report

Influenza Surveillance Report - Note: this report comes out on Thursday each week.

Report for November 20, 2008

National influenza surveillance summary information for the current week is available at:

CDC Weekly Influenza Surveillance page.
The CDC Influenza page.
The World Health Organization

MDCH Laboratory Data

There are medical provider sites from a variety of geographic locations throughout Michigan enrolled in the sentinel surveillance program. These providers represent private practice for adult and pediatric patients, as well as urgent and emergency care facilities, nursing homes and university health services. Michigan is now conducting routine influenza surveillance year round. Thus, MDCH requests submission of two to three specimens for influenza A and B viral culture four times during the year: early influenza season, when influenza virus is beginning to circulate; middle season, during the peak of influenza activity; late season, as influenza activity diminishes; and in the summer months. Participation in this program is voluntary. The data shown here are the results obtained by the MDCH Viral Isolation Unit from specimens submitted by participating sentinel surveillance sites. The influenza season runs from October 1 through September 30 each year.

To locate your Health Region, see the county listing at the end of this page.

Data as of November 20, 2008