An outbreak of influenza B among workers on an oil rig.

An outbreak of influenza B occurred in December 1996 on an oil rig in Darwin Harbour. The outbreak affected 56% of the workers on the rig. An outbreak in December is outside the usual Australian influenza season of June to September, but is consistent with other tropical regions, where outbreaks can occur throughout the year. Influenza vaccination could prevent similar outbreaks in confined workplaces.