The Latest Breaking News from Influenza

Farm worker who had contact with sick cows tests positive for H5N1, making it the second case detected in Michigan

Officials are incentivizing testing, but experts say workers need protective equipment and paid sick leave to limit spread

The first human case of avian influenza (bird flu) in Australia was reported yesterday in Victoria. A child acquired the H5N1 strain of the virus in India and became ill upon returning home to Australia in March this year.

Farmers are remaining on high alert after bird flu was detected at a second Victorian farm linked to another property where mass culling is under way.

A child has been confirmed as the first human case of H5N1 virus in Australia. As per reports, the child had returned from India in March, and is believed that he contracted the flu virus there.

Authorities say strain of avian influenza detected at Meredith farm is H7N3, which has been detected in Australia before

A dangerous strain of avian influenza (bird flu) is now wreaking havoc on every continent except Australia and the rest of Oceania. While we remain free from this strain for now, it’s only a matter of time before it arrives.

New Zealand’s decision to no longer offer free influenza vaccines for all children under 12 will likely wipe out recent gains in uptake. And it will disproportionately affect those living in deprived areas and with a high risk of disease.

Lifeblood Red Cross is calling on new donors to step up, as sickness plagues Victoria.