Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Parasite conditions

Parasites are organisms that rely on hosts or other organisms to survive. Parasite infections happen when parasites reproduce or invade the host. This results in illness, which can range from mild to severe. It’s important to know the symptoms, and getting tests can help inform the right treatment.

Bed bugs are small insects that live in the cracks and crevices around your bed.

Bed bugs

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on your blood, often causing itchy bites. Learn about treatment and prevention.

Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is a disease caused by the parasite cryptosporidium. Find out more about the symptoms of crypto and when to see a doctor.

Giardiasis (giardia)

Giardiasis is an infection of the small intestine with the parasite giardia. Learn about cause, symptoms, treatment and prevention of giardiasis.

Removing head lice can be done using the conditioner and comb method.

Head lice

Head lice are tiny insects that feed on blood by biting skin. Here's what to do if your child's affected by lice - and how to prevent an infestation.

Close-up image of mosquito biting human skin to help illustrate mosquito-borne diseases.

Mosquito-borne diseases

Some illnesses are transmitted by mosquitoes ('mozzies'), including malaria, Dengue fever and the Zika virus.

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM)

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare, but serious disease. It leads to inflammation of the brain. Water-based activities can cause infection.

Pubic lice (crabs)

Pubic lice (crabs) are tiny insects spread mainly by sexual contact. Find out the symptoms, the treatment and how to stop pubic lice spreading.

Scabies

Scabies is caused by a tiny bug that burrows under your skin, causing intense itching and sometimes a rash. Read more about scabies and its treatment.

Tapeworm infection

Tapeworm infections happen when you drink contaminated water or eat undercooked meat from infected animals. Learn about symptoms and treatments here.

Image of white cotton thread and a needle to symbolise threadworm, or 'pinworm', which resemble tiny pieces of thread.

Threadworms (pinworms)

Threadworms infect children when eggs are transferred from their hands to their mouths. Learn the symptoms, treatment and prevention of threadworm.

Tick bites

Tick bites are usually harmless, but it's important to know how to avoid and treat bites, and what to do after visiting areas where ticks are present.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a very common disease caused by a parasite and usually doesn’t cause symptoms. Learn more about the causes and prevention options.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is an infection usually spread via unprotected sex, but occasionally via sharing wet towels. Learn about treatment and prevention.

Worms in humans

Several types of intestinal worms may infect people in Australia, but threadworms are the most common. Learn about symptoms and treatment of worms.

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.