A combination of multiple viruses circulating this winter has led to a spike in illnesses in the area - which has had a big impact on the local high school.

WellSouth Primary Health Organisation told the Wānaka App the rise in winter illnesses seen in Wānaka is part of a nationwide trend. 

“Across New Zealand, we are seeing higher levels of influenza, RSV, rhinovirus, and Covid-19, which is typical at this time of year but appears more noticeable because multiple viruses are circulating simultaneously,” WellSouth clinical director Dr Carol Atmore said.

She said the spread this year is being driven by a combination of factors: the seasonal circulation of respiratory viruses, the emergence of a new Covid-19 variant, and people spending more time indoors in winter conditions, which increases transmission. 

While hospital and community illness rates are elevated, they remain within the expected seasonal range, Carol said. 

Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) principal Nicola Jacobsen told the Wānaka App the school had experienced “a spike in illness” among staff and students this term, especially from mid-July to mid-August.

“We estimate that staff absences due to illness have increased by around 30 percent compared with this time last year,” Nicola said.

“We've also noticed that people's illnesses seem to be more prolonged than we've seen in the past.”

She said the school has managed staff absences through sourcing relief teachers, and has not had to move to study-at-home rosters like some schools around the country. 

Carol said the spike in illness was “a timely reminder of the importance of flu and Covid-19 vaccinations, good ventilation indoors, and staying home when unwell to help protect whānau and communities”.

“We always encourage our communities to take advantage of the flu vaccine programme at their general practice, which is funded by Te Whatu Ora until December 2025. Information about the vaccine programme can be found on the WellSouth Website Influenza » WellSouth and Book My Vaccine - Vaccine Scheduling.”

PHOTO: Supplied