GARY M. FELDMAN, M.D., FAAP, FABMG Public Health Officer
	COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY
COMMUNITY HEALTH AGENCY • DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH • DISEASE CONTROL BRANCH
	OCTOBER 2004

Influenza Associated Pediatric ICU Admissions & Deaths

The California Department of Health Services (CDHS) issued a memorandum October 18, 2004 requesting that clinicians and infection control practitioners report influenza associated pediatric ICU admissions and pediatric deaths to the local health department.

Although the supply of VFC influenza vaccine designated for infants 6-months to 23-months of age, and children 2-years to 18-years of age with chronic health problems, is still being made available, enhanced surveillance for increased influenza morbidity and mortality will be essential to monitor the impact on this population.

Please complete the Pediatric Severe Influenza Case History Form for the cases meeting the criteria outlined by CDHS:

Pediatric Influenza Cases Hospitalized in the PICU

1. Age 0-17 years;
2. A clinical syndrome consistent with influenza or complications of influenza, including lower respiratory tract infection, acute respiratory distress syndrome, apnea, cardiopulmonary arrest, myocarditis, Reye or Reye-like Syndrome, or acute CNS syndrome (e.g., encephalitis, seizures); AND
3. Confirmation by laboratory testing for influenza; AND
4. Have been hospitalized in the ICU.

In the event a pediatric influenza associated death occurs, the Pediatric Death Supplemental Form also needs to be completed:

Criteria for Reporting Pediatric Influenza Associated Deaths

1. Age 0-17 years;
2. A clinical syndrome consistent with influenza or complications of influenza, including lower respiratory tract infection, acute respiratory distress syndrome, apnea, cardiopulmonary arrest, myocarditis, Reye or Reye-like Syndrome, or acute CNS syndrome (e.g., encephalitis, seizures); AND
3. Confirmation by laboratory testing for influenza; AND
4. No period of complete recovery between the illness and death.

Please note that Disease Control is also conducting active surveillance for adult influenza cases, especially avian influenza.

These forms should be faxed to Disease Control at (951) 358-5102.

Thank you for your cooperation with this important enhanced surveillance activity.

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