Health officials have issued a warning to parents amid a rise in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza. More than 118,000 Australians have reportedly been diagnosed with RSV this year, while 128,110 Australians were diagnosed in 2023, according to the National Communicable Disease Surveillance Dashboard (NCDSD). Children aged up to four reported the highest rates of diagnosis this year, with the figure sitting at 62,475.
RSV is a respiratory infection that typically affects young children, though adults can also catch it. Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion. Symptoms range from a runny nose and cough to difficulty breathing and fever, with children under the age of one more likely to be impacted by breathing problems.
NSW has recorded the highest number of RSV cases so far this year at 55,166, followed by Queensland (26,946) and Victoria (23,240), according to the NCDSD. South Australia has recorded 5672 cases, with SA Health issuing a warning as rates of both RSV and the flu skyrocket. SA hospitals were packed with 122 patients presenting with the two respiratory conditions in the week leading up to Saturday, July 6, with 63 RSV cases and 59 flu cases.
Chief public health officer Nicola Spurrier said the two viruses were “always” a cause of concern. “Our flu numbers are really skyrocketing,” she said. “They look like they will be higher than the last two years and there’s no evidence of them plateauing at.