Extended influenza seasons in Australia and New Zealand in 2025 due to the emergence of influenza A(H3N2) subclade K viruses
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In Australia and New Zealand, late outbreaks of an A(H3N2) variant virus termed subclade K extended the 2025 influenza season. Subclade K viruses were genetically and antigenically distinct from the 2025 vaccine A(H3N2) strain A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2)-like virus and previously circulating subclade J viruses. Subclade K viruses have since been detected in over 34 countries and appear to have spread globally, except in South America. It is thus likely that they will further expand during the northern hemisphere winter 2025/26 season.
Source: Eurosurveillance
Authors: Clyde Dapat, Heidi Peck, Lauren Jelley, Tanya Diefenbach-Elstob, Tegan Slater, Saira Hussain, Phillip Britton, Allen C. Cheng, Tim Wood, Annaleise Howard-Jones, Yi Mo Deng, Jessica E. Miller, Q. Sue Huang, Ian G. Barr
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: Australian Government
OpenAlex ID: W4417297178