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The alarming toll of influenza deaths in South Australia led the opposition to seek an independent medical examination of the influenza season treatment.
SA Health confirmed Monday that 82 people had died this year, the total number of cases ending in 20,000.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Nicola Spurrier said the majority of deaths were people over 65 years of age.
At the same time last year, there were only 1,500 confirmed cases of influenza.
Opposition health critic Chris Picton said serious concerns have been expressed about the government's management of the influenza season, including the supply of vaccines.
He added that a study could also consider running an awareness campaign launched Sunday.
"We need an appropriate independent review of government management this year to be able to learn from next year," Picton said.
Dr. Spurrier said that the influenza strain that circulated this season was neither more virulent nor more lethal than in previous years, with the sharp increase in the number of cases being partly attributed to a much earlier start to the season.
She added that the authorities were also satisfied with this year's vaccine, which she said was "not a bad deal" with influenza strains in Australia.
Australian Associated Press
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