Australia faces "Papal flu"

Via The West Australian: WA health authorities warn of Papal flu spike. Excerpt:

WA health experts are steeling themselves for a potential spike in influenza cases, as World Youth Day pilgrims infected with respiratory viruses, gastroenteritis and chickenpox leave Sydney this week.

With many young worshippers diagnosed with flu, WA Health Department head of communicable disease control Paul Van Buynder urged people who had not had a flu shot, particularly young children, to be vaccinated because it was likely young pilgrims returning from the festivities would help spread it around the country.

“WA has had very little influenza so far this year,” Dr Van Buynder said.

“Many of the pilgrims will leave Sydney after the papal Mass and travel around the country, including to WA, and it is likely they, or other visitors, will bring influenza with them.”

In particular, he advised parents of children who were eligible for free vaccines this year to ensure they had received their second shot.

During the six-day event, NSW Health reported 153 pilgrims were struck down with influenza, 23 were isolated with gastroenteritis and one was infected with chickenpox.

I wonder about the surge capacity of Beijing's hospitals.