Reports were received from 162 schools with a total enrollment of 127,737 students. ILI does NOT appear to be the explanation for most of this absenteeism. The reported overall absenteeism rate was 6.29%, up slightly from 5.95% the week before.

Reports were received from 56 nursing homes with a total population of 7,964. The reported influenza-like illness rate was 2.36%, up slightly from 1.93% the week before.

Reports were received from 56 hospital emergency departments. During the 24 hour surveillance period, a total of 5,019 patients were seen, of which 7.93% were being seen because of a respiratory influenza-like illness. This figure was up from 6.38% the week before.

There has been one laboratory test positive for influenza type B in New Jersey during the last week.

These figures indicate that New Jersey is still at baseline absenteeism and illness rates. Although these figures suggest that there is no significant influenza-like illness occurring in the state, the laboratory report indicates that the influenza B virus is circulating at least at low levels in the state.

Northeastern New Jersey

% Absent	Schools % with ILI	Nursing Homes % visits with ILI	Emergency Departments
Bergen	4.52	1.28	4.13
Essex	NR	NR	16.89
Hudson	5.92	1.12	15.13
Middlesex	4.75	1.19	9.70
Monmouth	2.47	0.47	1.05
Passaic	4.76	2.65	9.24
Union	7.87	2.48	13.00
Regional Total	4.99	1.60	9.18

Northwestern New Jersey

% Absent	Schools % with ILI	Nursing Homes % visits with ILI	Emergency Departments
Hunterdon	4.18	1.46	0.00
Mercer	NR	NR	1.00
Morris	3.60	0.87	2.94
Somerset	NR	NR	NR
Sussex	NR	14.85	NR
Warren	7.35	1.52	7.89
Regional Total	4.62	1.67	2.89

Southern New Jersey

% Absent	Schools % with ILI	Nursing Homes % visits with ILI	Emergency Departments
Atlantic	4.98	2.70	4.64
Burlington	4.79	0.00	6.70
Camden	5.64	1.38	7.32
Cape May	5.63	2.52	3.45
Cumberland	6.63	1.29	11.96
Gloucester	8.73	0.51	14.29
Ocean	8.69	0.87	4.93
Salem	7.38	4.78	8.64
Regional Total	6.90	1.54	6.95

Statewide Total

6.29

2.36

7.93

NR = no report