Update: influenza activity--United States, January 18-24, 2004.

The number of states reporting widespread influenza activity continued to decrease during the reporting week of January 18-24, 2004. One state health department reported widespread activity. A total of 20 states reported regional activity, 19 states and New York City reported local activity, and sporadic activity was reported by nine states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. The percentage of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) remained the same during the week ending January 24. The percentage of specimens testing positive for influenza and the percentage of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) decreased.