WHO confirms first fatal human case of bird flu A(H5N2)
The World Health Organisation says a death related to a confirmed human case of infection with A(H5N2) subtype of bird flu is the first of its kind globally.
virus diseases
Bird flu cull leads to 450,000 fewer eggs per day
It could take years for farms impacted by an avian influenza outbreak to recover after the deaths of half a million chickens.
Bird flu outbreak sparks mass cull of farmed chickens
Thousands of birds at an egg farm will be culled after a bird flu outbreak as authorities reveal a child is Australia's first case of a deadly global strain.
Bird flu found in one in five US milk samples: FDA
The United States Food and Drug Administration says one in five commercial milk samples tested across the country contained particles of the avian influenza.
Wider bird flu spread worrying, animal health body says
The head of the World Organisation for Animal Health says it is worrying to see the spread of bird flu to more different species.
Time to stop using ‘long COVID’ – Qld health chief
John Gerrard says 'long COVID' wrongly implies something unique, sinister and exceptional when all viruses have long-term effects.
‘Novel’ claim to have GST money cover Qld debt to NSW
NSW has threatened to withhold funding from Queensland if the state does not pay outstanding bills for COVID-19 hotel quarantine measures.
Palmer claims ‘victory’ in funding COVID vaccine case
Clive Palmer claims to have helped set a precedent against COVID-19 vaccine mandates after a court found emergency service workers were given unlawful orders.
Cambodia reports new bird flu case after boy’s death
Cambodia's Health Ministry says the brother of a boy who died last week from bird flu has tested positive for the virus
Monitor for symptoms as measles spreads to three states
Three states are on high alert for measles after three people with the highly infectious virus visited multiple locations over several days while infected.
First vaccine approved for infectious respiratory virus
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has for the first time approved a vaccine against the highly contagious respiratory syncytial virus.
New COVID-19 variant drives festive season surge
COVID-19 infections have spiked in Australia's two most populous states, with a new variant and Christmas festivities driving higher hospitalisations.
Alert over summer spike in COVID, respiratory illnesses
An '"unusual" spike in respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 and influenza has prompted a pre-holiday warning from a state's chief health officer.
Festive warning as poll reveals lax COVID-19 attitudes
One in three Australians don't believe keeping up their COVID-19 boosters or measures to curb its spread are important amid an eighth wave, a survey shows.
Health system coughs up almost $50b fighting COVID
Close to $50 billion was spent on the COVID-19 response, as Australians are warned they still need to be vaccinated against the virus.
Low vaccination rates prompt jab ‘surge’ plea
There's a plea for Australia to roll out vaccine 'surges' as the take up rate for jabs against serious diseases is lagging among high-risk groups.
Howard Springs quarantine deaths to be examined
The deaths of three people, including two women from Indigenous communities, in Darwin's Howard Springs quarantine facility will be examined at an inquest.
Reversing ‘zombie’ brain fog after COVID-19 infection
There's new insight into so-called 'zombie' cells that can age the brains of COVID-19 patients, contributing to brain fog and memory loss.
Qld braces for COVID cases as infection wave lifts
Cases of COVID-19 are expected to surge in Queensland over the next fortnight but the chief health officer has vehemently ruled out imposing a mask mandate.
Cruise ship doctor declares dual virus outbreaks over
The operators of a cruise ship docked in Adelaide have declared onboard outbreaks of COVID-19 and gastroenteritis are over.
Ruby Princess liner negligent, misleading in COVID trip
Australians who embarked on a COVID-19-ravaged cruise in the early days of the pandemic have had a legal win, with operator Carnival declared negligent.
Government faces pressure to widen virus inquiry scope
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has accused the government of running a "protection racket" for Labor premiers by excluding state issues from a COVID-19 inquiry.
Lockdowns, border closures exempt in pandemic inquiry
Experts will look into Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but decisions taken by the states on lockdowns or border closures will be exempt.
COVID royal commission backer says things have changed
The Albanese government has been forced to defend its decision not to set up a royal commission but rather a three-expert inquiry into the pandemic.
PM set to announce COVID-19 inquiry: report
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese could be poised to announce the details of a special commission of inquiry into the handling of COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 cases rise again in northern hemisphere: WHO
The World Health Organisation says COVID-19 case numbers are on the rise in the northern hemisphere, with hospitalisations up in North America, Europe and Asia.
Queensland hospitals vaccine mandate to be scrapped
Consultation will begin to scrap a rule that disallowed unvaccinated health workers from working in Queensland hospitals during the pandemic.
Cruise passengers wave goodbye to COVID restrictions
Passengers will be able to cruise around the country unrestricted after state governments lifted the final COVID-19 mandates on cruise ships.
Palmer funded action against Telstra over COVID vaccine
Legal action against Telstra over its COVID-19 vaccination policy for employees has been discontinued, with documents showing it was funded by Clive Palmer.
Epidemiologist remembered as COVID-19 voice of reason
Leaders and colleagues are hailing Mary-Louise McLaws as a calm and reassuring voice during the pandemic after the renowned disease expert died at the weekend.
Thousands roll up sleeves for free flu vaccinations
Queenslanders are answering pleas from health officials to get vaccinated against the flu, especially the severe B strain that continues to take hold.