Commonwealth Comes To Aid of ACT Over Fatal Respiratory Infections
The ACT Health Minister has confirmed Commonwealth health services are helping the Territory’s Health Department to eradicate a respiratory disease in a Canberra nursing home. At the end of November, eight people had died from the illness and authorities believed the toll could rise.
There have been nearly 70 reported cases of the influenza at the Jindalee Nursing Home, including 16 staff. The acting ACT chief health officer Charles Guest said traces of viral bacteria had been confirmed.
The current outbreak is not thought to be related to bird flu or pandemic influenza in any way. Residents and staff have been immunised with the anti-viral Tamiflu.
![Dandenong Mayor [left] stands next to aged care resident and aged care staff member](https://agedcareguide-assets.imgix.net/news/articles/wp/belv__2204.jpg?fm=pjpg&w=370)
![Dandenong Mayor [left] stands next to aged care resident and aged care staff member](https://agedcareguide-assets.imgix.net/news/articles/wp/belv__2204.jpg?fm=pjpg&w=520&format=auto&q=65)
