Australian report finds rising influenza test positivity as COVID-19 and RSV notifications fell
From 21 September to 4 October, influenza notifications dipped slightly while self-reported influenza PCR and rapid-test positivity in community surveys rose to 47.0% and 41.3%; the data are preliminary.
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Australia’s Centre for Disease Control reported mixed respiratory-virus signals for 21 September to 4 October. Notified influenza cases fell 3.0% from the prior fortnight, while COVID-19 notifications fell 15.7% and RSV fell 35.8%. In community surveys, however, self-reported influenza PCR positivity reached 47.0% and rapid-antigen-test positivity 41.3%, both higher than in the preceding fortnight.
The report says it is too early to tell whether a sustained national decline in influenza has begun, because some jurisdictions were still reporting increases. The survey test percentages are among participants who reported fever and cough and took a test; they are not population infection rates. Surveillance data are preliminary and may change, and the report notes missing recent notifications for some territories.
Data
Influenza test positivity in community surveys
Percentages are for community-survey participants reporting symptoms and a test; they are not national case rates.
| Self-reported influenza PCR positivity | 47 | Community-survey participants reporting fever and cough who reported having a PCR test; not a population infection rate. |
| Self-reported influenza rapid antigen test positivity | 41.3 | Community-survey participants reporting fever and cough who reported having a rapid test; not a population infection rate. |
Methodology
Figures are those reported by the Australian report for 21 September–4 October 2026. The report states surveillance is preliminary and may be revised; test percentages rely on self-report.
Updated:
Subjects and places
Subject proposals
- Communicable diseaseSuggested
- Subject suggested from the title or summary: influenzawww.cdc.gov.au ↗
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- Australia · Place role: Coverage · Place type: Country or area · Location precision: RegionalEvidence
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