Influenza

In Australia in April this year, there were 25 cases of influenza A and 8 cases of influenza B reported. Most of these, 11 of type A and all 8 type B occurred in Western Australia. In May, 33 type A and two type B were reported. Of these, 25 type A were in South Australia and the two type B were in Victoria. In addition, two type H3N2, an epidemic strain, were reported in Victoria. Most recently, in June 1999 36 type A (14 in Victoria and 12 in Western Australia) plus one case of H1N1 9 (also an epidemic strain) was reported in Victoria and 10 type B (seven in Western Australia and three in Victoria) were reported. This brings the numbers for the year to 263 type A and 48 type B. Although it was anticipated that this year could see the arrival of an influenza epidemic in Australia, this has not yet occurred.