Auckland records worst week for flu hospitalisations in a decade as health system faces pressure
Auckland hospitals admitted 177 people with severe respiratory illness in one week, the worst in 10 years, as nationwide infection rates spike.
Auckland's four major hospitals admitted 177 people with severe acute respiratory illness from 9 to 16 August, up from 125 the previous week, marking the worst week for flu-related hospitalisations in a decade. The surge is part of a broader outbreak affecting the entire health system, with nationwide infection rates now at a four-year high and continuing to rise. Health leaders have described the situation as putting significant pressure on services nationwide.
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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
RNZ
Auckland has its worst week for flu-related hospitalisations in 10 years
There were 177 people admitted to the four Auckland hospitals with severe acute respiratory illness from the 9 – 16 August, up from 125 patients the week before.
1News
Auckland's worst week for flu-related hospital admissions in 10 years
There were 177 people admitted to four Auckland hospitals with severe acute respiratory illness from August 9-16, up from 125 patients the week before.
RNZ
Entire health system under pressure from biggest flu outbreak in 10 years – health boss
"The whole health system is currently under significant pressure," NZ Health's boss says. "It is quite difficult circumstances."
1News
Biggest flu outbreak in 10 years: Entire health system under pressure
Nationwide infection rates are at a four-year high and continuing to rise.