The number of influenza cases in the community has continued to increase since February, the Centre for Health Protection says.

It said influenza virus samples the Public Health Laboratory Centre identified in the four weeks ended March 17 had increased to an average of 270 a week, compared with an average of 122 a week in the preceding four weeks.

During the same period, an increase in the number of flu outbreaks was also reported.

There were 15 confirmed influenza A and two confirmed influenza B outbreaks reported between February 18 and March 17, as compared to eight confirmed outbreaks of influenza A in the preceding four weeks. 

Outbreaks also on the rise

In the week ended March 17 alone, seven influenza A outbreaks were confirmed in institutions including childcare centre, schools and elderly homes.

General outpatient clinics and private doctors also reported that consultation rates for flu-like illness remained high in the past four weeks.

The centre called on the public to stay on guard against seasonal flu and take precautionary measures, adding high-risk people should get flu vaccinations early.

About 270,000 target clients have received flu jabs under the programme, which began last November and runs until the end of April.