Category: Virus Reports

Respiratory Virus Testing

Updated 9 Dec 2022

RSV is still present in low numbers, mostly in young children. 

Influenza is not circulating, but we are seeing occasional cases come in with travellers from the Northern Hemisphere.

New cases of COVID-19 are still occuring.  Inpatient COVID numbers are steady at about 20 most days. We try to identify the majority of cases as they come in, many of whom have COVID contributing to their overall condition. 

Emergency Department patients with respiratory illness are now only routinely being tested for SARS-Cov-2, but under 5 year olds are also screened for RSV.  Asymptomatic patients admitted from ED are all being screened for SARS-CoV-2 by a loop mediated amplification (LAMP) test, which compares well with PCR and is sensitive enough to detect historical cases from 2 or 3 months ago.  RSV, Influenza and Adenovirus testing are available for any patient, on request.

Respiratory swabs received from the community (GPs) are tested for either SARS-CoV-2 alone or other viruses, as requested.

 

Dr Chris Mansell

Clinical Microbiologist

 

 

Latest laboratory specimen collection information can be found here

Waikato Respiratory Virus Report 2020 - Week 7

18 02 2020

We are still in the “summer season”, with very little Influenza, RSV or other viruses circulating.

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Waikato Respiratory Virus Report 2019 - Week 22

05 06 2019

Influenza numbers continue to rise and are now comparable to last year’s peak.   37% of people tested have either Influenza A and B and would benefit from oseltamivir.

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Waikato Respiratory Virus Report 2019 - Week 19

14 05 2019

We are now in early winter virus season.     Waikato Respiratory Virus Report 2019 - Week 19

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Waikato Respiratory Virus Report - 2019 Week 14

11 04 2019

Respiratory viruses detected remain at summer levels but a small amount of Influenza A is circulating in the Waikato.     Waikato Respiratory Virus Report - 2019 Week 14

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Waikato Respiratory Virus Report - Week 42

08 11 2018

Specimen numbers continue to decline. Respiratory virus activity is now at summer levels. Rhinoviruses and a few Coronaviruses are still circulating. Waikato Respiratory Virus Report - Week 42

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