Latest news with #CatherineBennett
Sky News AU
2 days ago
- Health
- Sky News AU
'Becoming the dominant strain': New sub variant of Covid-19 wreaking havoc as epidemiologist encourages vaccinations amid rising infections
A distinguished epidemiologist has issued a warning over a new strain of Covid-19 as infection rates in Australia continue to rise. Omicron strain subvariant NB.1.8.1 is spreading fast in Queensland, which has seen a sudden spike in the number of people infected with Covid-19. A report by Queensland Health said 671 people were diagnosed with the disease in the week ending May 25, which was an 18 per cent increase from the week prior. There had been 15,693 notified cases of Covid-19 in the state since the beginning of this year according to the report, meaning an average of over 100 new cases per day. There were 54 people in hospital with the disease in Queensland as of Sunday, and the health authority reported 3,388 hospitalised cases between January 1 and May 25. The strain is also the most dominant variant in wastewater samples taken in Perth, while it makes up less than 10 per cent of cases in South Australia, and more than 40 per cent in Victoria. Deakin University distinguished professor and chair in epidemiology Catherine Bennett said NB.1.81. is a sub-variant, related to the JN.1 family of variants and was first reported in January 2025. "It's quickly becoming the dominant strain in both northern and southern hemispheres and will be the variant responsible for our next wave that's on our doorstep," she told "The variant doesn't seem to cause more severe disease but it has a different combination of mutations on the spike protein that make it less recognisable to our immune system and is also better at latching onto receptors in our respiratory linings, making it more infectious. "So those two things together, better able to escape our immune response and more infectious, means will spread quickly and replace older variants." Professor Bennett said Covid vaccines will still be effective in protecting against "severe disease" as it still targets the JN.1 family of variants. She urged more vulnerable people to stay up to date with their vaccines to prevent serious illness. "People over 65 are encouraged to stay up to date with a booster each year, two if over 75, and now is the best time to have it if due as this will then have time to build protection at the start of this wave and provide some protection through the wave which usually lasts 6-8 weeks. People who are immunocompromised should also check their booster status," she said. "Because we had a quiet summer wave most other adults won't have had the same natural boosting as in previous years, so (they) might also want to consider having a booster if it's been a while since they had an infection. "(There's) a few nasty bugs around already with RSV rates in try rise and rhinovirus causing some nasty colds, so also time to be aware of our own symptoms and trying not to spread infections ourselves, whatever virus it is."
7NEWS
3 days ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1: Everything you need to know about the new dominant strain and how our vaccines will hold up
A new COVID-19 variant is drawing global attention due to its rapid spread worldwide. The variant — NB.1.8.1 — is set to become the dominant strain in Australia. However, because it has mutated from known variants, the nation's vaccines are still expected to offer decent protection. NB.1.8.1 is already the dominant strain in Western Australia, according to wastewater surveillance reports. 'It's taking off pretty quickly,' Deakin University Professor and Epidemiology Chair Catherine Bennett told 'It is related to variants that we've seen, it looks like two of them have kind of combined, but it has some new mutations as well.' These mutations have two key effects. First, the variant appears different enough from previous strains that our immune systems don't immediately recognize it. This means it can evade the immune defences developed through earlier infections or vaccinations, Bennett explained. Second, the mutations improve the variant's ability to bind to receptors in the mucosal linings of the human body. 'It just means if you're exposed, you're more likely to catch it,' Bennett said. 'People just need to be aware of infection where they can, and avoid spreading it where they can — if they've got symptoms, no matter what it is, it's not the time to socialise.' NB.1.8.1 is a descendant from Omicron JN.1 — the same strain targeted by current vaccines. 'It was wise that they invested in vaccines that were trailing along that JN.1 family,' Bennett told 'While the vaccine is not perfectly matched to this sub-variant, there is enough relationship with the JN.1 strain that is in the vaccine, that allows us to still have an effective vaccine.' Perfect storm for a spike in cases This winter marks Australia's fifth with COVID-19 — though the worst impacts occurred in 2022, 2023, and 2024. In recent months, Australians have relaxed their attitudes toward the virus, buoyed by a seasonal reprieve from high infection rates — a reprieve that has also lowered overall immunity. That complacency is one of several factors creating a perfect storm for a surge in cases: winter, waning immunity, immune evasion by the new variant, and its high transmissibility. 'All those things lining up together suggest that we might be in for a bigger winter wave, possibly even than we saw last year,' Bennett said. 'It could be the first time in a year that we see COVID really starting to impact people,' she said. Bennett noted that right now, 'is the first time that people in ICU with COVID-19 has dropped to the level it has.' These ICU rates are the lowest since 2021 — but they are expected to rise again this winter. 'The more we can do to help reduce spreading the virus around, then the better off we'll be,' Bennett said. At the height of the pandemic in Australia, deaths from COVID-19 were ten times higher than those from the flu. 'That's dropped, but it is still five times higher than the flu. So COVID-19 is still to be taken seriously,' Bennett said. 'Not more severe than the last' The World Health Organisation recently evaluated NB.1.8.1 as a 'low risk' variant overall. That classification reflects comparisons with previous, more severe strains, but also considers current levels of population immunity and treatment availability. 'It can still make some people very sick, but it's not more severe than the last strains we've seen,' Bennett said. 'The other thing the World Health Organisation looks at, is whether the treatments we have still work, that our testing measures still work, that all of that is still okay — and it is,' she said. 'Actually having a booster shot at the start of a wave gives you the best coverage you can have through those next six to eight weeks, which is how long a wave will take.' She urged people over 65 to review their vaccination status, and reminded adults over 18 that they remain eligible for boosters. 'It pays to think about whether you've had an infection, and whether actually a booster might not be a bad thing at this stage.'
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
New infectious COVID-19 strain to dominate Australia in 'matter of weeks'
Australia is battling an outbreak of a new, more infectious COVID-19 variant. The World Health Organisation has placed the NB.1.8.1 strain on its alert list, warning it is "increasing" globally. The strain is a sublineage of the Omicron coronavirus variant and descends from the JN1 variant. NB.1.8.1 has been in Australia since April and is the most common strain found in sewage in Western Australia and NSW. Health authorities say this sublineage is increasing within the community in line with global trends. On May 30, there were 1023 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia, according to the covidlive website. Deakin University chair of epidemiology Professor Catherine Bennett told ACM it was a "matter of weeks" before the strain was "everywhere". "We had a reasonably quiet summer, and even winter waves in the northern hemisphere are less than we have seen in recent years, so it is not surprising that a new variant could trigger a substantial wave just as we go into our winter," she said. READ MORE: It's one of the nasty ones': actor Magda Szubanski reveals cancer diagnosis Professor Bennett said NB. 1.8.1 was closely monitored because it had acquired "additional mutations compared to the J1 strains". "This makes it better at evading our immune response, and it seems to be very good at binding onto the human receptors that make it more infectious overall," she said. The strain wasn't appearing to cause more severe illness, she said. NB. 1.8.1 presents similarly to other respiratory illnesses, so it was important to "listen to your own symptoms" and to avoid socialising and work from home if you were unwell, Professor Bennett said. Federal health minister Mark Butler encouraged people to consider a COVID-19 booster. "I do encourage, particularly as we head into winter, for people to think about the last time they got a COVID vaccine," he told ABC radio on May 30. He said "people over 75 should have one every six months, for those 65 to 74, they should have a booster every 12 months". The latest advice from ATAGI: Australia is battling an outbreak of a new, more infectious COVID-19 variant. The World Health Organisation has placed the NB.1.8.1 strain on its alert list, warning it is "increasing" globally. The strain is a sublineage of the Omicron coronavirus variant and descends from the JN1 variant. NB.1.8.1 has been in Australia since April and is the most common strain found in sewage in Western Australia and NSW. Health authorities say this sublineage is increasing within the community in line with global trends. On May 30, there were 1023 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia, according to the covidlive website. Deakin University chair of epidemiology Professor Catherine Bennett told ACM it was a "matter of weeks" before the strain was "everywhere". "We had a reasonably quiet summer, and even winter waves in the northern hemisphere are less than we have seen in recent years, so it is not surprising that a new variant could trigger a substantial wave just as we go into our winter," she said. READ MORE: It's one of the nasty ones': actor Magda Szubanski reveals cancer diagnosis Professor Bennett said NB. 1.8.1 was closely monitored because it had acquired "additional mutations compared to the J1 strains". "This makes it better at evading our immune response, and it seems to be very good at binding onto the human receptors that make it more infectious overall," she said. The strain wasn't appearing to cause more severe illness, she said. NB. 1.8.1 presents similarly to other respiratory illnesses, so it was important to "listen to your own symptoms" and to avoid socialising and work from home if you were unwell, Professor Bennett said. Federal health minister Mark Butler encouraged people to consider a COVID-19 booster. "I do encourage, particularly as we head into winter, for people to think about the last time they got a COVID vaccine," he told ABC radio on May 30. He said "people over 75 should have one every six months, for those 65 to 74, they should have a booster every 12 months". The latest advice from ATAGI: Australia is battling an outbreak of a new, more infectious COVID-19 variant. The World Health Organisation has placed the NB.1.8.1 strain on its alert list, warning it is "increasing" globally. The strain is a sublineage of the Omicron coronavirus variant and descends from the JN1 variant. NB.1.8.1 has been in Australia since April and is the most common strain found in sewage in Western Australia and NSW. Health authorities say this sublineage is increasing within the community in line with global trends. On May 30, there were 1023 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia, according to the covidlive website. Deakin University chair of epidemiology Professor Catherine Bennett told ACM it was a "matter of weeks" before the strain was "everywhere". "We had a reasonably quiet summer, and even winter waves in the northern hemisphere are less than we have seen in recent years, so it is not surprising that a new variant could trigger a substantial wave just as we go into our winter," she said. READ MORE: It's one of the nasty ones': actor Magda Szubanski reveals cancer diagnosis Professor Bennett said NB. 1.8.1 was closely monitored because it had acquired "additional mutations compared to the J1 strains". "This makes it better at evading our immune response, and it seems to be very good at binding onto the human receptors that make it more infectious overall," she said. The strain wasn't appearing to cause more severe illness, she said. NB. 1.8.1 presents similarly to other respiratory illnesses, so it was important to "listen to your own symptoms" and to avoid socialising and work from home if you were unwell, Professor Bennett said. Federal health minister Mark Butler encouraged people to consider a COVID-19 booster. "I do encourage, particularly as we head into winter, for people to think about the last time they got a COVID vaccine," he told ABC radio on May 30. He said "people over 75 should have one every six months, for those 65 to 74, they should have a booster every 12 months". The latest advice from ATAGI: Australia is battling an outbreak of a new, more infectious COVID-19 variant. The World Health Organisation has placed the NB.1.8.1 strain on its alert list, warning it is "increasing" globally. The strain is a sublineage of the Omicron coronavirus variant and descends from the JN1 variant. NB.1.8.1 has been in Australia since April and is the most common strain found in sewage in Western Australia and NSW. Health authorities say this sublineage is increasing within the community in line with global trends. On May 30, there were 1023 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia, according to the covidlive website. Deakin University chair of epidemiology Professor Catherine Bennett told ACM it was a "matter of weeks" before the strain was "everywhere". "We had a reasonably quiet summer, and even winter waves in the northern hemisphere are less than we have seen in recent years, so it is not surprising that a new variant could trigger a substantial wave just as we go into our winter," she said. READ MORE: It's one of the nasty ones': actor Magda Szubanski reveals cancer diagnosis Professor Bennett said NB. 1.8.1 was closely monitored because it had acquired "additional mutations compared to the J1 strains". "This makes it better at evading our immune response, and it seems to be very good at binding onto the human receptors that make it more infectious overall," she said. The strain wasn't appearing to cause more severe illness, she said. NB. 1.8.1 presents similarly to other respiratory illnesses, so it was important to "listen to your own symptoms" and to avoid socialising and work from home if you were unwell, Professor Bennett said. Federal health minister Mark Butler encouraged people to consider a COVID-19 booster. "I do encourage, particularly as we head into winter, for people to think about the last time they got a COVID vaccine," he told ABC radio on May 30. He said "people over 75 should have one every six months, for those 65 to 74, they should have a booster every 12 months". The latest advice from ATAGI:
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Health expert warns Aussies to prepare for a triple virus surge this winter
Experts are warning of a triple virus surge this winter, with COVID-19, influenza, and RSV already spreading rapidly - and say the best protection is to get vaccinated before the end of May. 'We're dealing with an early wave of a significantly infectious virus diseases,' Infectious Disease Physician at the University of Queensland Professor Paul Griffin said on Wednesday. 'When one person brings something home, it can sweep through the whole household in days. 'The more we empower families to detect illness early, the better we can manage outbreaks and protect those most at risk.' There have been more than 80,000 confirmed influenza cases in Australia so far this year up to May 22, a more than 50 per cent jump from the same period last year. Seasonal flu is a common and highly contagious respiratory infection usually caused by influenza A or B viruses, but there are multiple subtypes and strains. Meanwhile Covid cases are expected to skyrocket this winter with a contagious strain of the Omicron variant to infect a large percentage of Australians. Variant LP.8.1. was identified as the main culprit of large outbreaks overseas in late 2024 and early 2025 and was responsible for three in five Covid cases in the UK in March. While the strain does not appear to cause worse symptoms than its predecessors, recent testing found it could be more contagious. Professor of epidemiology at Deakin University Catherine Bennett urged Aussies to remain up to date on their Covid vaccines. 'Any variant can be a real problem for them, that's why it's advised for people with underlying health conditions or aged over 65 to have a pre-winter dose,' she said. 'It takes a couple of weeks to get the benefit of a vaccine and while it might only protect you for a couple of months, that's as long as the waves usually last. 'Getting it in May will keep you covered. Don't don't wait until the cases are already rising. You know, give yourself a couple of weeks' notice.' She warned a combination of factors created the conditions for an explosion in the number of cases. 'Our immunity is waning - it's been a while since most people have had a Covid infection and fewer people are getting boosters now,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'As we go into winter, more people will be gathering indoors together which helps the virus spread. That's why all that respiratory virus transmission goes up in winter. 'This [Covid] variant has been in Australia since July last year, but we were coming out of winter, we'd gone through the worst of the wave and most people had a recent infection or booster dose. Professor Griffin said the most effective way Australians can protect themselves from the virus explosion is by keeping their vaccinations up to date and using rapid antigen tests to help stop the spread of influenza and other viruses within households. 'Infants, elderly adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions face the highest risk of serious complications, including pneumonia, dehydration, or hospitalisation,' Professor Paul Griffin said. 'Recognising symptoms like high fever, fatigue, wheezing, or difficulty breathing early ensures families can take swift action - whether that means starting antivirals, isolating, or seeking urgent medical care.' 'Early testing is not just a personal benefit, but a broader public health strategy,' he said. 'With flu, RSV, and COVID-19 circulating at the same time, early detection means targeted action. 'It reduces transmission, eases the burden on healthcare services, and ultimately saves lives.' Professor Griffin warned in April that low uptake of flu vaccinations would put vulnerable groups at risk. Last year, the number of Australian's getting vaccinated decreased by 5.8 per cent in all States and Territories. 'Every year, we see people, particularly young people and pregnant women, who end up in hospital when they could have been protected with a simple vaccination,' Professor Griffin said. 'Many people wrongly assume the flu only affects older adults, like Covid-19, but this isn't the case. 'Flu is a serious illness, but the vaccines are safe and effective.' Covid and flu vaccinations are free for everyone in Australia, including those without a Medicare card. You can get Covid vaccines from a range of vaccination providers. To find a vaccination provider near you, use the service finder on the Healthdirect website. So far this year, more than a third (31,955) of flu cases have occurred in New South Wales, according to the Australian government's dashboard. The second highest number of in cases is in Queensland (18,818), followed by Victoria with 17,618 flu cases. Western Australia has registered 6510, while laboratories have found 4719 in South Australia, 1557 in Northern Territory, 1126 in Tasmania and 1099 in ACT.
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Urgent warning Covid cases will SOAR this winter as super contagious strain wreaks havoc across Australia
Aussies have been warned Covid cases will skyrocket this winter with a super contagious strain of the Omicron variant to wreak havoc across the country. Although social distancing and face masks may feel like a distant memory with Australia passing the five-year anniversary of Covid lockdowns last month, experts have warned Aussies to stay vigilant of the virus. Variant LP.8.1. was identified as the main culprit of large outbreaks overseas in late 2024 and early 2025 and was responsible for three in five Covid cases in the UK in March. While the strain doesn't appear to cause worse symptoms than its predecessors, recent testing found it could be more contagious. Professor of epidemiology at Deakin University Catherine Bennett warned the strain, combined with a lull in Covid cases over summer and low vaccine booster rates, could result in skyrocketing cases. 'Our immunity is waning - it's been a while since most people have had a Covid infection and fewer people are getting boosters now,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'As we go into winter, more people will be gathering indoors together which helps the virus spread. That's why all that respiratory virus transmission goes up in winter. 'This variant has been in Australia since July last year, but we were coming out of winter, we'd gone through the worst of the wave and most people had a recent infection or booster dose. 'We might start to see case numbers going up through May to June rather than waiting in a few months' time, so it's good to make people aware.' Fortunately, the variant is also covered by the current Covid vaccine, which is free in Australia. Professor Bennett explained those who are concerned about the upcoming wave, particularly the immunocompromised, should get a booster jab as soon as possible. 'Any variant can be a real problem for them, that's why it's advised for people with underlying health conditions or aged over 65 to have a pre-winter dose,' she said. 'It takes a couple of weeks to get the benefit of a vaccine and while it might only protect you for a couple of months, that's as long as the waves usually last. 'Getting in May and will keep you covered. Don't don't wait until the cases are already rising. You know give yourself a couple of weeks' notice.' As for other protective measures, Professor Bennett encouraged people to take the same precautions they would for a flu outbreak. 'If people are coming over to visit but say they're feeling a bit lousy, send them home. Everybody who's feeling sick should stay home when possible,' she said. 'You might feel well enough but you don't want to make someone else sick, and that person could be someone who gets very sick. 'Just be mindful that there's a higher risk over the next few months and pay extra attention. 'Keep extra space and stay in well-aired places. Have your coffee outdoors at your cafe instead of staying inside during peak times. 'It's just little things that mean you're less likely to be exposed to infection while you're out and about.' Covid vaccinations are free for everyone in Australia, including those without a Medicare card. You can get Covid vaccines from a range of vaccination providers. To find a vaccination provider near you, use the service finder on the Healthdirect website.
