Influenza surges reported in South Korea and Australia

Public health authorities in South Korea and Australia are reporting significant surges in influenza activity. In South Korea, the influenza virus detection rate reached 25.4% in September, a figure that surpasses typical mid-winter peak levels. Officials have issued warnings ahead of the Chuseok holiday, noting that mass population movement and indoor family gatherings increase transmission risks for vulnerable groups.

In Australia, influenza cases rose by 27.2% in the two weeks leading up to September 6, bringing the year-to-date total to 130,355. While this remains below 2025 levels, the Australian Centre for Disease Control warned that the national peak may not have passed. The surge in Australia has been attributed to factors such as waning immunity and increased social mixing. Influenza A accounted for the majority of recent cases, while COVID-19 and RSV rates showed declines.