Respiratory Virus Season Update
Manitoba is seeing early, significant influenza activity, and physicians may field more questions from patients as the season ramps up.
Earlier this week, Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s Chief Provincial Public Health Officer, appeared on CTV’s morning news program to share an update on Manitoba respiratory illness season.
- “We’re seeing significant influenza activity,” with increasing cases and test positivity for influenza, with Influenza A H3N2 the predominant subtype, he said.
- Dr. Roussin said subclade K, a variant of the H3N2 virus, is here, with a potential increase in severity. (Learn more: Talking About the Flu Vaccine “ Mismatch”)
- The message is steady: vaccination remains the best protection against influenza.
📈 By the numbers: Cases started rising significantly in mid November, and continue to rise. For the most recent week of Nov 23 – 29, Manitoba reported:
| Week of Nov 23 – 29 | Season-to-date | |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory ER Visits | 1,623 | 18,939 |
| Influenza Cases | 262 | 556 |
| Hospitalizations | 46 | 120 |
| ICU admissions | 5 | 12 |
| Deaths | 3 | 6 |
| Immunization Rate Overall | 19.1% | |
| Immunization Rate 65+ | 51.8% |
🦠 Between the lines: Dr. Roussin noted Manitoba continues to see year-round COVID transmission, with no clear seasonal pattern emerging yet.
- Weekly activity (Nov 16 – 22): 49 cases, 14 hospital admissions, 3 associated deaths (with zero attributable).
Dr. Roussin said RSV activity remains low at this point in the season.
Find more including key resources to help you in your practice at the Doctors Manitoba Vaccine Program Updates page.