Source: https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/...ng-b881210401z
Flu rate rockets as WA health industry struggles to cope
Regina Titelius and Sue DunlevyPerthNow
May 25, 2019 2:00PM
The number of people struck down by the flu has taken a turn for the worst, with WA doctors and hospitals struggling to cope with a sharp spike in cases.
According to the latest figures from the Department of Health, the rate of flu-like presentations at GP clinics has now increased to more than 10 per 1000 consults.
This is higher than the levels recorded during the peak flu seasons of 2015 and 2018 ? and the official flu season hasn?t yet started.
The rate of flu-like presentations at emergency departments has also spiked in the past two weeks, jumping from 382 cases per 1000 presentations at the start of May to 541 cases per 1000 presentations as of May 19.
The rate of overall flu notifications in WA has also surged, from about 100 a week at the start of May to almost 400 notifications for last week.
WA?s worsening flu season comes as the World Health Organisation influenza centre in Australia warns the number of flu cases across Australia is the highest in 20 years.
Latest figures show there have been more than 51,000 flu cases reported so far this year while at least 85 people have died from the disease...
Flu rate rockets as WA health industry struggles to cope
Regina Titelius and Sue DunlevyPerthNow
May 25, 2019 2:00PM
The number of people struck down by the flu has taken a turn for the worst, with WA doctors and hospitals struggling to cope with a sharp spike in cases.
According to the latest figures from the Department of Health, the rate of flu-like presentations at GP clinics has now increased to more than 10 per 1000 consults.
This is higher than the levels recorded during the peak flu seasons of 2015 and 2018 ? and the official flu season hasn?t yet started.
The rate of flu-like presentations at emergency departments has also spiked in the past two weeks, jumping from 382 cases per 1000 presentations at the start of May to 541 cases per 1000 presentations as of May 19.
The rate of overall flu notifications in WA has also surged, from about 100 a week at the start of May to almost 400 notifications for last week.
WA?s worsening flu season comes as the World Health Organisation influenza centre in Australia warns the number of flu cases across Australia is the highest in 20 years.
Latest figures show there have been more than 51,000 flu cases reported so far this year while at least 85 people have died from the disease...
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