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Australian CDC: Nipah Virus Infection Situation Update

On 9 February the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) published its latest situation update on Nipah virus infection in West Bengal, India and Rajshahi, Bangladesh. The report includes details about the current situation and its relevance to Australia, and details about Nipah virus epidemiology.

Read the full report here: Australian CDC Situation update: Nipah virus infection in West Bengal, India and Rajshahi, Bangladesh

by Alice Black

Victorian Department of Health: Nurse immunisers approved to administer MMR vaccines to infants from 6 months of age

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has approved Nurse Immunser-led administration of measles-containing vaccines to infants from 6 months of age who are travelling overseas. This authorisation is in accordance with ATAGI recommendations.

Victorian Department of Health: Nurse immunisers – approved client groups

MVEC: Measles

by Alice Black

The Guardian: UK loses WHO status as measles-free after rise in deaths and fall in jab uptake

The UK has lost its measles-free status due to a rise in the number of recorded cases, outbreaks and deaths. In recent years, uptake of the MMR vaccine has been diminishing. 

Other European countries that have lost their measles-free status include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Spain and Uzbekistan. 

This follows Canada losing its measles-free status in November 2025. 

The Guardian: UK loses WHO status as measles-free after rise in deaths and fall in jab uptake

For more information about measles disease, epidemiology and prevention, go to MVEC: Measles.

by Alice Black

SBS: The 'Super-K' flu variant is spreading in Australia. Here's what makes it 'unusual'

A new strain of influenza could be responsible for an unusual spring and summer boost in flu cases. According to epidemiologists, there is no current evidence that this variant is more severe, but that it is easily transmitted.

Read the full article at SBS: The 'Super-K' flu variant is spreading in Australia. Here's what makes it 'unusual'.

For more information about influenza disease, epidemiology and prevention, visit MVEC: Influenza.

by Alice Black

Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd – Measles vaccination advice

On 8 January Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd released a statement to highlight the importance of vaccination against measles.

Professor Kidd’s statement outlines ATAGI’s  recommendation that infants aged 6 to 11 months should receive an additional dose of a measles-containing vaccine (MMR vaccine) when travelling overseas.

This advice comes amid ongoing measles cases in Australia. 

In Victoria, there is an active measles health alert relating to 2 new measles cases reported in January 2026. 

Read Professor Kidd’s statement via in full at Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd – Measles vaccination advice. 

For more information about measles disease, epidemiology and prevention, visit MVEC: Measles. 

by Alice Black

About Regional: Potentially fatal virus detected in parts of southern NSW

Japanese encephalitis has been detected in the Riverina region and in Goulburn this summer.

Japanese encephalitis is a rare but potentially serious disease spread to humans through mosquito bites.

The most effective way to avoid infection is through physical barriers, such as wearing long clothing, using mosquito repellent and using mosquito nets. Vaccaination is recommended for certain individuals at higher risk of exposure to Japanese encephalitis virus. Individuals with specific risk factors are funded to receive vaccines through state-led programs in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.

To read about Japanese encephalitis in southern New South Wales, go to About Regional: Potentially fatal virus detected in parts of southern NSW.

For more information about Japanese encephalitis disease, epidemiology and prevention, visit MVEC: Japanese encephalitis.

by Alice Black