FLU OUTBREAK CLAIMS 14 LIVES IN NORTHERN TERRITORY: Doctors Issue Desperate Plea for Needle-Free Vaccines as Death Toll Rises
- A deadly flu outbreak has taken the lives of 14 people in the Northern Territory, with doctors warning that case numbers are “no doubt far higher”
- Record-breaking 4195 cases of the disease have been reported this year, with vaccination rates declining
- Medical professionals are urging the government to roll out free, intranasal flu vaccinations for young kids next year to combat the crisis
In a devastating turn of events, a rampant flu outbreak has claimed the lives of 14 people in the Northern Territory, sparking frantic calls from doctors for an urgent shift to needle-free vaccines. The crisis has seen a staggering 4195 cases reported this year, with medical professionals warning that the true number of flu cases Territory-wide is likely far higher.
“We have record flu numbers and declining vaccination rates,” exclaimed RACGP Northern Territory chair Sam Heard. “This year, in the NT, we’ve already had 4000 lab-confirmed influenza cases compared to 3299 cases in all of last year.”
The outbreak, which escalated in July, has seen notifications gradually decrease since August following a peak in mid-July. However, the 14 deaths linked to the outbreak have sent shockwaves through the community, with health authorities urging residents to remain vigilant for symptoms of influenza and flu-like illnesses.
In a heartfelt appeal, Dr Heard implored the government to commit to rolling out free, intranasal flu vaccinations for young kids next year. “I can’t think of a more sensible and necessary public health investment,” he said. “This is a cost-effective and necessary step to keep young children, who are among the most at risk from a severe flu infection, including hospitalisation, as safe as possible.”
The RACGP reports that only 35.4 per cent of children aged six months to five years and only 34.9 per cent of patients aged 65 years or older are vaccinated against the flu in the NT, citing fear of needles as a significant barrier. “Removing all barriers to vaccination is so important,” Dr Heard emphasised. “We know these intranasal sprays work, and they’ve been used overseas in countries such as Italy, the United Kingdom, Finland, and Spain for years.”
Nationwide, the crisis has seen a record-high 410,000 lab-confirmed cases, underscoring the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat the spread of the disease. As the death toll continues to rise, the Northern Territory community is holding its breath, hoping for a swift and effective response to this devastating public health emergency.