This report aims to provide an overview of STI epidemiology in Northern Ireland by collating and analysing information from a number of sources. Although it reflects epidemiological trends over time, its main focus will be on data collected in 2011.

The PHA coordinated Northern Ireland's participation in ECDC's National Prevalence Survey on Hospital-Acquired Infections & on Antimicrobial Use. Hospitals in Northern Ireland participated in data collection between May and June 2012.

This report provides a snapshot of the levels of hospital-acquired infections (HAI) and levels of antimicrobial use (AMU) in hospitals in Northern Ireland during 2012.

Influenza activity in Northern Ireland remains at low levels.

The GP combined ‘flu/FLI consultation rate increased from 8.8 per 100,000 population in week 40 to 15.6 per 100,000 population in week 41, 2012; however, the consultation rate subsequently decreased in week 42 to 11.6 per 100,000 population. Rates are lower compared to the same weeks last year and are well below the Northern Ireland threshold (70 per 100,000 population).