Queensland records 2649 Covid cases as hospitalisations continue to trend down

Queensland has today recorded 2649 new Covid cases bringing the total number of active cases to 36,828.  

Queensland has today recorded 2,649 new Covid cases bringing the total number of active cases to 36,828.  

There are now 669 patients in hospital, down from 703 on Saturday, as the number of hospitalisations continues to trend downwards.

The government had released modelling last month suggesting that hospitalisations could reach as high as 1,660 during the current wave.

It comes as children recovering from Covid are being struck down with croup as cases of the infection presenting in the emergency department triple across the state.

Latest numbers for June show the total number of patients presenting and being diagnosed with croup at Queensland hospitals reached 1,261 compared to just 427 in January. 

A Queensland Health spokeswoman confirmed “croup associated Covid” cases had presented to the Queensland Children’s Hospital, with 191 presentations in June alone.  

“It is internationally recognised that the Omicron variant appears to cause upper airway symptoms like croup,” she said. 

“Most children with minor symptoms will start to improve after three to four days without treatment, however severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, will need treatment at a hospital.” 

Meanwhile, Australian Medical Association (AMA) Queensland President Dr Maria Boulton said“Croup is not a virus on its own”. 

“It is the inflammation of the upper airway, larynx and trachea that is usually triggered by some viruses,” she said. 

“Croup generally occurs in children between six months and six years of age, tends to be worse at night and is characterised by a barking seal-like cough. 

“Covid is one of the viruses that can cause croup.” 

Dr Boulton said children will “usually” recover on their own from mild croup and respiratory viruses but in a “small number of cases” a child can become “very unwell”. 

“If parents are concerned and notice their child is unwell or having difficulty breathing or having difficulty drinking liquids they should seek urgent medical assistance.” 

Approximately 70,000 young children at higher risk of developing severe illness from Covid-19 will be able to receive a vaccination from September 5 2022. 

ED presentations diagnosed with croup between January 2022 and June 2022.