Health officials in Australia are raising alarms about an increase in various illnesses ahead of the Christmas season, with a particular focus on a new mutant strain of influenza. As of now, Queensland has reported over 95,000 cases of influenza for the year, marking the highest total in a decade. This figure reflects a 21 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
The rise in cases is not limited to Queensland. New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia have also seen unusually high rates of influenza infections, attributed in part to a new strain of influenza A H3N2 known as subclade K. According to Professor Paul Griffin, Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater Health, this strain poses a significant concern as it emerged after this year’s influenza vaccine was developed.
“Because [the strain has] changed, it means that past infection doesn’t help [reduce severity or provide much immunity] either,” Griffin explained.
Concerns Over Vaccination Rates
Queensland’s vaccination rates have been notably low, which raises additional risks, especially as the holiday season approaches. Griffin urged the public to be cautious during gatherings and travel, emphasizing that environmental conditions usually reduce flu transmission during the summer. “But with this new subclade, reduced vaccination rates, and increased human interaction, the risk is higher than we’d normally see,” he added.
The state had the lowest influenza vaccination rates in Australia earlier this year, despite a campaign costing $675,000 aimed at encouraging free vaccinations. During the peak of the flu season, average hospital occupancy due to flu patients reached 227 beds, nearly half of whom were over the age of 65. Recent data indicates that around 66 people are currently hospitalized with influenza, a number Griffin believes could be lower with increased vaccination.
Last week, between December 8-14, Queensland recorded nearly 1,700 cases of influenza, with the highest rates observed among children under 18 years, followed by adults over 75.
Additional Health Risks This Holiday Season
Influenza is not the only illness of concern this holiday season. Queensland Health has issued warnings regarding mosquito-borne viruses such as the Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). The region’s wet and warm weather, combined with increased outdoor activities, heightens the risk of infection. Earlier this year, two individuals died in Queensland after contracting JEV, which poses serious health risks.
As of now, over 650 cases of Ross River virus infection and more than 160 cases of Barmah Forest virus infection have been recorded this year. Three cases of JEV have been reported, with two resulting in fatalities—the first deaths from the virus since it was detected on the Australian mainland in 2022.
Dr. Heidi Carroll, Executive Director of the Communicable Diseases Branch, has urged Queensland residents to take protective measures against mosquito bites. “If you don’t get bitten, you can’t get infected,” she noted, stressing the potential severity of some mosquito-borne illnesses.
In addition, warnings have been issued regarding cryptosporidiosis, a gastrointestinal illness often contracted through contaminated water. The illness is most commonly found in children under nine and adults aged 30 to 39. With more than 6,100 cases recorded in Queensland this year, the state continues to report high numbers compared to other regions in Australia.
Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Carroll advised that individuals with the illness should avoid swimming during and for two weeks after symptoms resolve to prevent further transmission.
A measles alert is also in effect for northern Brisbane, following a recent case at the Caboolture Hospital Emergency Department in late November.
As holiday celebrations approach, health officials emphasize the importance of awareness and prevention.
