Mutant influenza strain hits Queensland ahead of Christmas
“People should be mindful of this and take some simple steps to reduce the risk when traveling and celebrating together, especially during the holiday season.”
Queensland had the lowest flu vaccination rates in Australia earlier this year despite a $675,000 free vaccination campaign, it was revealed.
During the peak of flu season, an average of 227 beds in public hospitals were occupied by flu patients, almost half of whom were over 65 years of age.
Griffin said the latest data shows about 66 people have been hospitalized with the flu: “That’s a significant number of beds occupied, and we know that number would be lower if our vaccination rates were higher.”
Nearly 1,700 cases of flu were recorded last week (8-14 December); The highest rates were in children under 18, followed by adults over 75.
But the flu isn’t the only concern this holiday season.
Queensland Health issued a warning on Wednesday about the increased risk of infection due to mosquito-borne viruses such as Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), wet and hot weather and increased outdoor activities.
Two people died after contracting Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in Queensland earlier this year.
More than 650 cases of Ross River virus infection and more than 160 cases of Barmah Forest virus infection have been recorded so far in the year.
Three cases of JEV, a rare but potentially serious disease, have been reported in Queensland, two of which resulted in death. These were the first deaths recorded in the state since the virus first emerged on mainland Australia in 2022.
Infectious Diseases Branch chief executive Dr Heidi Carroll urged Queenslanders not to be complacent about protective measures such as clothing and insect repellent.
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“If you don’t get bitten, you can’t get infected,” he said.
“It is important to remember that some mosquito-borne viruses can be very dangerous and can cause serious illness or even death.”
Other warnings have been issued for cryptosporidiosis and measles, a gastrointestinal disease that can be transmitted by swallowing contaminated water, and multiple outbreaks have been recorded in Queensland this year.
Crypto cases are most common in children up to the age of nine and adults aged 30-39.
Although not unique to Queensland, the state has consistently recorded high numbers compared to other parts of Australia, with more than 6,100 cases recorded in 2024.
Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache and loss of appetite.
“Because people with cryptosporidiosis can remain contagious even after symptoms resolve, they should avoid swimming for as long as they have diarrhea and for two weeks after the diarrhea stops,” Carroll said.
A measles alert remains in place for North Brisbane, with the last known infectious case remaining in the Caboolture Hospital Emergency Department in late November.
