There has been an increase in respiratory infections in Queensland this year, with over 1500 cases of mycoplasma pneumoniae recorded since January. This has posed a challenge for health professionals, with severe cases requiring intensive care treatment. The state has also seen a rise in COVID-19 hospitalisations, influenza cases, RSV infections, and whooping cough cases. Queensland Health has reported a 17% increase in COVID-19 hospitalisations in the past fortnight, with many flu hospitalisations among those who were not vaccinated.
The state has recorded a significant increase in cases of RSV, which predominantly affects young children and can lead to breathing problems in babies. In addition, cases of whooping cough are 12 times higher than average, with more infants affected this year than in all of 2023. Despite the availability of vaccines, over 31,000 Queensland children are considered overdue for the whooping cough vaccine, with vaccination rates in the state falling behind those of other regions. This has raised concerns among healthcare professionals, including Brisbane GP Maria Boulton, who has observed entire families falling ill due to preventable diseases.
The Queensland Health spokesperson attributed the increase in mycoplasma cases to outbreaks in the Northern Hemisphere. They emphasized the importance of staying up to date with vaccinations due to the disrupted patterns of respiratory infections since 2020. The influenza vaccine is currently free for all Queenslanders, while the RSV and COVID-19 vaccines are also available for eligible groups. RSV immunisation is free for newborn babies and certain at-risk populations, such as First Nations babies and those with complex medical conditions. The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended annually for people aged 65 to 74, and every six months for those aged 75 and older.
Infectious disease expert Dr. Paul Griffin expressed concerns about people forgetting basic infection control measures that were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the importance of staying home when unwell to prevent the spread of illness. Griffin also speculated that the mycoplasma pneumoniae bacterium may have evolved into a more virulent form, contributing to the current challenges faced by healthcare professionals in Queensland. Despite the availability of vaccines for preventable diseases, including flu, RSV, and whooping cough, vaccination rates in Queensland remain low, particularly among children under the age of five. Improving vaccine uptake and adhering to infection control measures are crucial in protecting public health and reducing the burden of respiratory infections in the state.
