The 2013-2014 influenza season is under way in Iowa, although the reported incidence of the illness in the state is spotty.

From Sept. 1 thru Nov. 21, the Hygienic Laboratory tested 224 specimens for influenza and confirmed 18 Iowa cases of influenza A (including subtypes of seasonal H3, 2009 H1N1pandemic and H3N2v) and two influenza B.

The Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network (IISN) is a project administered by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the State Hygienic Laboratory to track influenza activity in Iowa. The Hygienic Laboratory receives specimens from a number of participating laboratories around the state that are testing for influenza. Some of these specimens are submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further characterization to determine if the influenza strains in circulation are a match for the vaccine and whether they have acquired resistance to antiviral medications.

Laura Clark, clinical lab analyst, prepares specimens that will be tested for influenza.

The Hygienic Laboratory also surveys clinical and reference laboratories on a weekly basis for the number of rapid-antigen tests performed and the number of positives detected each week. A summary of those results are provided to IDPH and the participating laboratories.

In addition to the surveillance conducted by the Hygienic Lab, the IISN tracks influenza-associated illnesses in schools, hospitals and outpatient health care centers. This information is presented in the weekly influenza surveillance report by IDPH, and also submitted to the CDC which tracks the incidence of influenza throughout the nation.

The surveillance program helps inform health care and public health officials about when and where influenza is circulating and the types and strains circulating in communities.