Increase ILI –related consultation rate due to active media communication campaign against auto-medication and stimulated medical consultation in Paraguay

Samudio, Margarita

INTRODUCTION:

The influenza surveillance system in Paraguay has shown a similar profile in the viral etiology in the last years, until on September 26^th, 2013 when there was an alert due to suspected drug intoxications by antitussive syrups. Suspected patients were experiencing influenza-like Illnesses. Due to the high auto-medication rate among suspected cases, the Ministry of Public Health began a massive communication campaign against auto-medication and stimulated medical consultation. The objective of this report is to give an interpretation of ILI surveillance data in the 2013 epidemic and underlines the importance of using integrated epidemiological, virological and hospital surveillance data to monitor influenza activity.

METHODS:

We examined data on ILI consultation rates generated by the influenza sentinel surveillance system in conjunction with laboratory data and the weekly health service reports for the last three years (2011-2013). The drug intoxication alert included advice about auto medication and ILI- related early consultation.

RESULTS:

After the media communication campaign there was an increase in ILI consultations that exceeded the normal seasonal activity, however the proportion of viral positive testing remained similar in the three years periods as well as viral etiology profile and severe acute respiratory infection-related hospitalization rate. Analysis of the viral circulation profile in the same periods (epidemiological weeks 37 to 48) showed predominance of Influenza B with co-circulation of Parainfluenza. SARI hospitalization rates were 4,4% and 5% in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The large number of ILI-related consultations in Paraguay probably reflected the intensive media activity rather than influenza virus circulating in the community. Early consultation and auto-medication reduction probably prevented increased hospitalization rate despite increased ILI-related consultation rate.