Update: influenza activity--worldwide, 1996.

From October 1995 through August 1996, influenza activity occurred at moderate to severe levels worldwide. Epidemic activity in Europe, Asia, and North America was associated with influenza A(H1N1) and influenza A(H3N2) viruses. Influenza A(H1N1) viruses caused an epidemic in Japan and predominated in Canada, most regions of the United States, and a few countries in Europe. Influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominated in most European countries, China, and some regions of the United States. Influenza B viruses were isolated in association with sporadic cases throughout most of the world. This report summarizes influenza activity worldwide during March-August 1996, indicating that, during these months, influenza activity occurred at peak levels in the Southern Hemisphere.