“People should pay attention to that and take some simple steps to reduce the risk, especially as they travel and celebrate together over the holiday season.”
Queensland was revealed to have the lowest influenza vaccination rates in Australia earlier this year, despite a $675,000 campaign for free vaccinations.
During the peak of the flu season, an average of 227 public hospital beds were occupied by flu patients, almost half over the age of 65.
Griffin said the latest data showed around 66 people admitted to hospital with the flu: “That’s a significant number of beds occupied, and we know that number would be less if our vaccine rates were higher.”
Nearly 1700 cases of flu were recorded last week (December 8-14), with rates highest among children under 18 years of age, followed by adults aged over 75.
But influenza is not the only concern this holiday season.
Queensland Health issued a warning on Wednesday for mosquito-borne viruses such as Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), with wet and warm weather, and increased outdoor activities, heightening the risk of infection.
Two people died in Queensland earlier this year after contracting Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).
More than 650 cases of Ross River virus infection and over 160 cases of Barmah Forest virus infection have been recorded in the year to date.
Three cases of JEV, a rare but potentially serious illness, were reported in Queensland, with two resulting in death. They were the first recorded fatalities in the state since the virus first appeared on the Australian mainland in 2022.
Communicable Diseases Branch executive director Dr Heidi Carroll urged Queenslanders not to be complacent about protective measures such as clothing and insect repellant.
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“If you don’t get bitten, you can’t get infected,” she said.
“It’s important to remember that some mosquito borne viruses can be very dangerous and can result in serious illness or even death.”
Other warnings have been issued for cryptosporidiosis, a gastrointestinal illness which can be contracted by swallowing contaminated water, and measles, with several recorded outbreaks across Queensland this year.
Crypto cases are most common in children up to the age of nine and among adults aged between 30-39.
While not unique to Queensland, the state records consistently high numbers compared to other parts of Australia, with more than 6100 cases recorded in 2024.
Symptoms include watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache and loss of appetite.
“Because people with cryptosporidiosis can remain infectious even after symptoms settle, they should avoid swimming while they have diarrhoea and for two weeks after it has stopped,” Carroll said.
A measles alert remains in place for north Brisbane, with the last known infectious case spending time at the Caboolture Hospital Emergency Department in late November.
