DoD Global Influenza Surveillance Program Season Summary, 2001-2002

The Department of Defense (DoD) Global Influenza Surveillance Program was initiated in 1997 to monitor and prevent influenza outbreaks attributable to newly emerging strains. This tri-service program is managed from Brooks Air Force Base, Texas and is largely funded by the DoD Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System. Throat swabs were collected from individuals presenting with a fever and either a cough or sore throat, or evidence of acute non-bacterial pneumonia. These specimens were sent to the Epidemiology Surveillance Division (AFIERA/SDE) for viral isolation and identification. During the 2001-2002 influenza season, AFIERA/SDE processed 3049 specimens from 63 installations worldwide. Influenza A activity peaked in Week 4 (20-26 Jan 02) when nearly 36 percent of total specimens were positive for influenza viruses. Influenza B peaked in Week 13 (24-30 Mar 02). Compared to last season when influenza B predominated throughout the season, influenza B first appeared mid-season and accounted for only 10 percent of all influenza viruses identified by the DoD program. All of the 58 H3N2 and 16 H1H1 influenza A viruses that were sequenced were similar to the 2001-2002 vaccine strains. Prepared in collaboration with Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN.