- An influenza outbreak has swept through a regional Victorian aged care home
- The residents, aged 70 to 94, died at Wangaratta’s St John’s Retirement Village
- Another 100 people – residents and staff – at the retirement village were also sick
- In Victoria in 2017 there have been more than 11,300 cases of influenza so far
An influenza outbreak has swept through a regional Victorian aged care home, killing seven elderly residents and leaving another 100 people ill.
The residents, aged between 70 to 94, died at Wangaratta’s St John’s Retirement Village during the fortnight up until Wednesday.
‘We are at the peak of one of the worst flu seasons ever and the elderly are one of highest-risk groups,’ Victorian chief health officer Dr Brett Sutton said on Friday, confirming the deaths.
Residents, aged between 70 to 94, died at Wangaratta’s St John’s Retirement Village (pictured) during the fortnight up until Wednesday
‘Sadly, for the frail – and people with underlying health conditions – the flu can be very serious,’ Victorian chief health officer Dr Brett Sutton said on Friday
The residents who died had other conditions that made them particularly susceptible, Dr Sutton added.
Another 100 people – residents and staff – at the retirement village were also sick with the flu.
‘Sadly, for the frail – and people with underlying health conditions – the flu can be very serious,’ Dr Sutton said.
In Victoria in 2017 there have been more than 11,300 cases of influenza, with more expected.
About 800 people die of the flu each year in Victoria, according to the health department.
In Victoria in 2017 there have been more than 11,300 cases of influenza, with more expected