Omari Gates
Australia has seen its fair share of viral outbreaks in recent years, including COVID-19, the chikungunya virus, avian flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). While COVID-19 continues to affect hundreds of thousands of Australians annually, the emergence of new variants such as NB.1.8.1 has driven infections upwards. Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus, has also been a growing concern, with cases in Australia rising from 42 in 2023 to 90 in 2025. Additionally, Australia has experienced avian flu outbreaks, contributing to the worldwide death toll of over 300 million birds. RSV has seen a dramatic rise in infections across Australia, with case numbers climbing steadily since early 2025, particularly affecting infants and older adults.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chikungunya cases in Australia | 42 cases in 2023, 70 in 2024, and 90 in 2025 (as of July 2025) |
| Flu cases in Australia | Flu cases have surged in most jurisdictions, with children being particularly affected. |
| Avian flu cases in Australia | Avian flu has been reported in Australia, with farm workers being the majority of those infected. |
| COVID-19 cases in Australia | The COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 is driving infections in Australia, with case numbers ticking upwards in late May 2025. |
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What You'll Learn
Chikungunya cases in Australia
Chikungunya is a virus that was first documented in Tanzania in 1952. While outbreaks initially occurred across Africa and Asia, the virus has since spread around the world. The illness is characterised by an abrupt onset of fever, headache, rash, and severe joint pain. Although it is rare to die from chikungunya, the virus can be more serious for people over 65, those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart conditions, and newborn babies. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for chikungunya in Australia, although two vaccines have been approved for use in some other countries.
Although there have been cases of chikungunya in returned travellers to Australia, the virus has not been detected within the country. In 2023, there were 42 recorded cases of chikungunya in Australia, with 70 in 2024, and 90 so far in 2025. The increase in cases in Australia may be due to climate change, which has supported the spread of mosquito species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which transmit the virus.
In July 2025, the World Health Organization warned of a major chikungunya epidemic that risked becoming a global issue. The outbreak began in China in late July, with the majority of cases found in the Shunde district of Foshan. As of late July, there were over 7,000 cases of the virus in southern China, although no deaths have been reported. The Chinese government is taking precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, including isolating patients in hospital beds covered by mosquito nets and conducting home visits to check for stagnant water.
Although there is no evidence of chikungunya incursions into Australia, the virus has been spreading eastwards through Indonesia since 2002 and was detected in Papua New Guinea in 2012. Mosquitoes capable of carrying the virus can be found in northern Queensland and the Torres Strait. As such, there is a potential risk of socioeconomic impact should the virus become established in Australia.
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Flu cases in Australia
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is one of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases in Australia. In 2023, there were 18,582 flu cases reported in Australia by May. The following year, in 2024, there were 30,494 cases reported in the same period, and by May 2025, there had been 83,402 flu cases nationally, indicating a significant year-on-year increase.
Flu seasons in Australia have become harder to predict since the COVID-19 pandemic, but the surge in cases in 2025 occurred ahead of the typical winter peak, which usually falls between June and September. The rise in cases has been attributed to various factors, including the increased circulation of the virus and low vaccination rates.
Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect against the flu and prevent its spread. The Australian Government recommends that everyone over the age of six months receive an annual flu vaccination. Vaccination is particularly crucial for vulnerable groups, including young children, older adults, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with chronic medical conditions, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women, who are at higher risk of developing severe flu-related complications.
Despite the importance of vaccination, Australia has seen a downward trend in flu vaccination rates in recent years, with only 11.7% of children between six months and five years old vaccinated in 2025. Experts emphasize the need for Australians to make flu vaccination a habit, as it not only protects individuals but also helps prevent the virus's spread within the community.
As Australia braces for a potential record flu season, health authorities strongly urge all eligible Australians to get their annual flu vaccine to protect themselves and others and to continue practising safe hygiene measures, such as covering coughs and sneezes, regular handwashing, and staying home when sick.
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Avian flu in Australia
Australia has experienced outbreaks of avian influenza, or bird flu, in recent years. The disease is a viral infection that primarily affects birds, but it can also spread to other animals and, on rare occasions, humans. The virus is typically spread by migratory birds, who can infect common wild birds, poultry, and other animals.
In 2025, an outbreak of the H7N8 strain of bird flu was detected in poultry in northern Victoria. Victoria's agriculture department implemented an emergency response, and as of June 13, 2025, the disease had been eradicated from all affected properties, with no new cases detected since February 24, 2025. Australia has since declared itself free of the H7 bird flu strain.
However, Australia remains vulnerable to the H5 bird flu strain, which has spread quickly across the globe. This strain has been detected in wild, farmed, and pet birds, as well as other animals, including marine mammals, dairy cattle, cats, goats, alpacas, and pigs. While Australia is currently the only continent free from this strain, the government is preparing for its potential arrival. The risk to Australians is considered low, but the impact on wildlife, agriculture, and communities, especially First Nations communities, could be significant.
To prevent the spread of avian influenza, the public is advised to minimise contact with animals in affected areas and avoid touching dead or sick animals, especially birds. People who have been in contact with potentially infected animals are advised to monitor their health and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms.
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COVID-19 cases in Australia
COVID-19 was first detected in Australia in 2020. Since then, the country has experienced multiple waves of infections, with the highly infectious Delta variant triggering a significant outbreak in 2021.
In June 2021, the Delta variant sparked a cluster of cases in Bondi, Sydney, which rapidly spread throughout the city and beyond. This outbreak resulted in a 14-day lockdown for Sydney residents. During this time, New South Wales recorded a notable increase in cases, with 22 local infections reported overnight on June 30, 2021.
In late 2022, Australia faced another challenge with the emergence of the XBB variant. This variant, a spin-off of the Omicron strain, rapidly spread throughout the country, causing a tenfold increase in cases within a few weeks. NSW recorded 10,050 cases in the week ending October 27, 2022, marking a 13.7% increase. Queensland also experienced a surge, with 4,447 cases reported in the same week.
The XBB variant raised concerns among health authorities, with infectious disease specialist Maria Van Kerkhove from the World Health Organization expressing worries about its significant growth advantage. However, despite the rise in cases and hospitalizations, infectious disease experts reassured the public that those who were fully vaccinated were far less likely to develop severe illnesses from the virus.
While COVID-19 continues to impact Australia, the country has demonstrated its ability to adapt and respond to the evolving nature of the pandemic. The availability of vaccines and the population's hybrid immunity have played crucial roles in mitigating the impact of new variants.
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Dengue, yellow fever, and Zika in Australia
Dengue, yellow fever, and Zika viruses are all flaviviruses transmitted by insect vectors. They are single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses that belong to one of the four genera within the family Flaviviridae. While dengue and yellow fever typically cause systemic diseases involving hemorrhage, Zika and West Nile viruses can result in severe neurological complications. Additionally, the Zika virus can infect the reproductive tract, facilitating sexual transmission and access to the developing fetus.
In Australia, the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes that transmit the Zika virus are common in northern Queensland towns, with smaller numbers in some areas of central and southern Queensland. However, a local outbreak is likely only in areas that have had dengue fever in recent years. The risk of transmission within Australia increases as climate change continues to support the spread of these mosquito species.
Dengue fever is another mosquito-borne illness that is spread by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are also known to transmit the Zika virus. While dengue fever is not typically fatal, it can cause a sudden onset of fever, severe joint pain, muscle aches, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and skin rashes. In rare cases, dengue fever can progress to a severe illness that may result in internal bleeding, organ failure, and even death.
Yellow fever is a disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes in Africa, Central, and South America. While there is currently no vaccine approved for use in Australia, the risk of infection can be reduced by avoiding mosquito bites and staying informed about outbreaks.
In summary, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika viruses are mosquito-borne flaviviruses that pose a continued threat to global health. In Australia, the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes that transmit these viruses are primarily found in Queensland, with the risk of transmission influenced by climate change. Dengue fever and Zika virus can have severe health impacts, while yellow fever outbreaks have been limited to other regions.
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Frequently asked questions
As of May 2025, COVID-19 case numbers in Australia were on the rise, with the new variant NB.1.8.1 being one of the circulating strains. However, it is difficult to track the occurrence of the virus as fewer people are testing and reporting infections.
There is no exact number of people infected with the seasonal flu in Australia, but flu cases have drastically surged in most jurisdictions. Seasonal flu is a common cause of hospitalization and can lead to missed work or school, complications, and even death.
In 2025, there have been 90 recorded cases of the chikungunya virus in Australia as of July. This is an increase from 42 cases in 2023 and 70 cases in 2024.
There have been reported cases of avian flu in Australia, but the exact number of infected individuals is not mentioned. The UN health agency reported 76 people infected with the H5 avian influenza strain globally in 2024, mostly farm workers.
