Queensland Sees its Worst Flu Season in Over a Decade as Cases Jump 18% from Last Year
Queensland is experiencing its most severe flu season in more than ten years, with researchers puzzled by the surge in cases.
Health authorities report 93,753 lab-confirmed influenza cases so far this year, marking an 18% increase from last year’s tally of 79,770—the highest annual count since 2013. By comparison, 2013 saw 5,509 cases and 2021 recorded just 298 cases.
The sharpest rise has been in the North West health region, which includes communities such as Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Julia Creek, Mornington Island, and Normanton. While 322 cases were recorded in 2024, the current year has already reached 843 cases, representing a 162% rise.
Regional disparities persist: the Gold Coast saw a 43% uptick (from 9,654 to 13,843 cases), and Brisbane’s Metro North region reported a 26% increase (from 14,648 to 18,387).
Not all areas followed the upwards trend. The South West region (covering Roma, Charleville, and St George) experienced a 28% drop—from 620 last year to 449 so far this year. West Moreton (including Ipswich and the Lockyer Valley) saw a 10% decrease, from 7,433 to 6,721.
In total, Metro South recorded over 23,650 cases, spanning Brisbane’s southern suburbs and Logan.
As of December 14, hospital data showed 66 people admitted with influenza, with the majority of cases requiring care among those aged over 65.
Emerging Strain and Explanations
Andrew Redmond, an infectious diseases specialist at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, suggests the rise probably results from a mix of factors. Increased travel, which facilitates virus spread, and a decline in vaccination uptake since the pandemic are likely contributors.
Additionally, Dr Redmond points to a new viral mutation as a potential driver. He notes that two circulating influenza A strains—H1N1 and H3N2—are generally well-covered by vaccines. However, a recently circulating variant, dubbed the “K strain,” appears to be less effectively neutralized by current vaccines.
The implication is that while K may not cause more severe illness, it spreads more easily due to reduced vaccine protection. Health officials anticipate updating the vaccine next year to include protection against the K strain.
In the week ending December 14, roughly 1,690 influenza cases were reported—an unusually high figure for this time of year.
Dr Redmond emphasized the importance of vaccination as the social season approaches, especially for those at higher risk. Even for people with relatively few medical issues, vaccination benefits extend to protecting vulnerable contacts.
Vaccine Status of Leaders
During the peak of the flu season in August, Queensland’s premier and deputy premier declined to publicly disclose whether they had received the flu vaccine, stating it was a private matter between them and their doctors.
Healthcare System Strain
Queensland faced operational strain when elective surgeries were paused for 48 hours in June at the state’s largest hospitals to manage the influx of flu and COVID-19 patients.
Next Steps
Queensland Health has been contacted for comment.
