Population-based influenza surveillance, Dhaka

Abstract

We conducted population-based surveillance for influenza virus among children under age 5 years in the Kamalapur neighbourhood of Dhaka. Between April 2004 and November 2005, 14% of children with acute infectious respiratory illness had influenza virus isolated from their respiratory secretions. The incidence of influenza virus infection was 84.5 episodes/1000 children/year. 58% of isolates were influenza A (H3N2, H1N1) and 42% are influenza B (Shanghai and Hong Kong). Both strains of Influenza A virus and both strains of Influenza B virus that are circulating within Asia are circulating within Bangladesh.