Warning Over Deadly Flu Strains

March 31, 2003

Australia has so far remained free of severe acute respiratory syndrome, which has claimed 56 lives world-wide.

A Government spokesman said two Australians, both from NSW, remained under observation as possible SARS cases.

Health Minister Kay Patterson has said expert influenza observers are predicting a bad flu season.

"The World Health Organisation's influenza research centre in Melbourne has warned that three potentially fatal strains of influenza were likely to hit Australia this winter and they have predicted that this year could be a very bad flu season," she said.

WHO research centre deputy director Alan Hampson said the A/Panama flu was by far the most dangerous.

The three strains had all been seen in the northern hemisphere last winter, he said.

"The predominant one is the A/Panama virus," Mr Hampson said.

"In this last season a few countries in central Europe seem to have quite significant levels.

"The most dramatic reports . . . were from Africa, where there were big outbreaks in Madagascar and the Congo.

"The impact it had there is a reflection of what it can do to people who are in risk groups."

The mortality rate in these areas was as high as 4 per cent, mostly among the very young and very old.

The other strains causing concern were the B/Hong Kong and New Caledonia viruses.

Mr Hampson said none of the viruses were related to SARS and there was no risk of the syndrome interacting with them.

"They're genetically distinct organisms," he said.

Senator Patterson said the 2003 flu vaccine included three virus strains the A/Moscow-like strain, the A/Caledonia-like strain and the B/Hong Kong-like strain.

The B/Hong Kong strain, which was responsible for several outbreaks last year, was not included in the 2002 vaccination.

Senator Patterson urged people aged 65 and older to take advantage of the Government's $26 million free vaccination program.

She said the flu vaccine would not protect people against SARS. AAP

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