BREAKING! From Victoria To South Australia and New South Wales, SARS-CoV-2 KP Variants Are Making Hospitals Go Down Under!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 31, 2024 5 months, 3 weeks, 2 hours, 43 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: Australia's healthcare system is grappling with a surge in COVID-19 cases, driven by new SARS-CoV-2 variants. The latest, FluQE KP.3, is causing significant strain on hospitals in Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/forget-about-sars-cov-2-flirt-variants-kp-1-1-and-kp-2-new-fluqe-variant-kp-3-expected-to-rapidly-become-globally-predominant-wreaking-havoc
These regions are implementing emergency measures to manage the rising number of patients and maintain healthcare services.
From Victoria To South Australia and New South Wales,
SARS-CoV-2 KP Variants Are Making Hospitals Go Down Under!
Victoria: Escalating Measures and New Variants
Victorian hospitals have escalated to a Stage Two COVID-19 response, mandating masks for all staff and visitors. This measure comes in response to the rapid spread of a new, vaccine-resistant COVID-19 variant, FluQE KP.3. Detected in Victorian wastewater, the levels of this variant have surged by 30% in recent tests.
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/victorian-covid-19-surveillance-report
Rising Cases and Hospital Strain
The FLluQE KP.3 variant has joined its predecessors, the FLiRT variants KP.1 and KP.2, which have been prevalent in the United States. Although the JN.1 variant remains dominant in Victoria at 66%, FluQE KP.3 is quickly gaining ground due to its ability to evade immune detection. According to Professor Bennett, these subvariants will drive the next COVID-19 wave, expected to peak in late June.
New Health System Protocols
In response to increasing COVID-19 hospitalizations, Victorian health authorities have moved to Stage Two measures. These include mandatory mask-wearing, more telehealth consultations, and virtual emergency departments (EDs). Virtual EDs mirror physical emergency departments, allowing patients to consult with doctors remotely. This approach helps manage the surge in patient numbers without overwhelming physical facilities.
Current Impact on Hospitals
As of late May, 361 Victorians were hospitalized with COVID-19, a significant increase from the previous month. Twenty-one patients are in intensive care, with eight requiring ventilation. The escalation to Stage Two aims to prepare the health system for increased demand without resorting to a statewide suspension of services like elective surgery. Each hospital assesses its own needs and implements appropriate strategies to protect staff and patients.
South Australia: Code Yellow and Capacity Challenges
South Australia's health system has reached full capacity, prompting an internal emergency declaration for the first time since mid-2022. The combination of COVID-19 and flu cas
es has led to the cancellation of elective surgeries and the implementation of emergency measures.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/elective-surgery-cancelled-as-health-system-hits-capacity/5fc942cb-b40f-404f-bebf-e156ff5b74c6
Soaring Patient Numbers
The state's health system is under pressure, with 200 more patients in hospitals compared to the same time last year. Currently, 140 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized, while around 270 hospital staff are off sick with COVID-19 or the flu. Weekly COVID-19 cases have jumped to nearly 2,400.
Local
COVID-19 News outlets are also reporting of massive numbers of outpatients seeking medical care for various types of respiratory disease symptoms and even small clinics besides the hospitals are overwhelmed.
Emergency Measures
SA Health's chief executive, Dr Robyn Lawrence, has confirmed the postponement of elective surgeries and the transfer of some patients to regional centers. Respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia and heart failure, are major contributors to the surge. Dr Lawrence emphasized the significant impact of respiratory infections during winter, particularly among older Australians.
Children's Hospital Adjustments
In a bid to free up capacity for adult patients, sick children at the Lyell McEwin Hospital and Flinders Medical Centre may be moved to the Women's and Children's Hospital. The state is also looking to increase bed capacity by 150 this year to address the growing demand.
New South Wales: Triple Threat and Rising Cases
New South Wales is facing a "triple threat" of flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Health authorities are urging people over 65 to get their free influenza vaccine as flu cases surge alongside a new COVID-19 variant.
Increasing Notification Rates
The NSW Health Respiratory Surveillance Report indicates a 27% increase in influenza notifications and a 23% rise in COVID-19 notifications week-on-week. Rates of RSV are also high, particularly among children aged two to four. COVID-19 whole genome sequencing has identified the emergence of KP.3, KP.2, and KW.1.1 sub-lineages of JN.1.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Documents/respiratory-surveillance-20240525.pdf
Health System Response
The increase in respiratory illnesses has led to higher emergency room presentations and hospital admissions. The report highlights the importance of vaccination and good hygiene practices to reduce the spread of respiratory pathogens. NSW Health is monitoring the situation closely, with a focus on vulnerable populations, including children and older adults.
Conclusion
Australia's healthcare system is under significant strain as new SARS-CoV-2 variants and other respiratory illnesses surge. In Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales, hospitals are implementing emergency measures to manage the increasing number of patients. Authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination and preventive measures to control the spread of these infections. As the situation evolves, healthcare providers remain vigilant, adapting their strategies to protect public health and ensure the continuity of essential services.
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