CDC influenza surveillance report no. 56, February 26, 1960

"A nation-wide decline in the reporting of influenza has been evident in the 2-week interval since the publication of CDC Influenza Surveillance Report No. 55, February 12, 1960. A few localized outbreaks and unnumbered sporadic cases are continuing to occur, although the national peak of morbidity has been passed, and all major urban outbreaks are subsiding. An increased amount of febrile respiratory disease or discrete outbreaks of clinical influenza have been reported in a total of 43 states including the District of Columbia. Type A2 influenza virus has been isolated in a total of 31 states including the District of Columbia; serologic confirmation of influenza A infection has been reported from five additional states. Type B influenza virus has been isolated in two states. Mortality due to pneumonia and influenza reported form 108 cities, after increasing slightly during the week ending February 13th, remained at essentially the same level during the week ending February 20th, and seems to have reached its peak. Although marked decreases occurred in several areas, levels remained well above the "epidemic threshold" 7 of the 9 geographic regions for the week ending February 20th. Excess mortality is notably absent in the Middle Atlantic and East South Central regions." - p. 2I. Summary of information-- II. Current status of influenza in the United States-- III. Current analysis of influenza and pneumonia mortality-- IV. International notesFebruary 26, 1960.This report was prepared by Theodore C. Eickhoff, M. D., Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer, Surveillance Section, Epidemiology Branch, CDC."For administrative use." - cover"Information contained in this report is a summary of data reported to CDC by State Health Departments, Epidemic Intelligence Service Officers, collaborating influenza diagnostic laboratories, and other pertinent sources. Much if it is preliminary in nature and is primarily in nature and is primarily intended for those involved in influenza control activities. It is understood that the contents of these report will not be released to the press, except by the Office of the Surgeon General, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. State Health Officers, of course, will judge the advisability of releasing any information from their own state." - cove