Notification of illness and disease

‘Notifiable’ diseases are ones where government health authorities must be notified about occurrences. Learn why this is important and about the information.

Read more

Parasite conditions

Parasites can infect humans via many routes, such as through sexual intercourse, via a vector (e.g. mosquito), through ingestion, or simply from close contact with an infected person. Learn more about them here.

Read more

School exclusion periods

If your child has an infectious illness, you may need to keep them home to stop it spreading at daycare or school. Learn about school exclusion periods here.

Read more

Group A streptococcal infection

Group A streptococcal (GAS) infection is a bacterial infection. Find out about the symptoms and treatment for GAS infection, and how to prevent it.

Read more

MERS

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is caused by a coronavirus. It can cause fever, cough and shortness of breath. Find out more about MERS here.

Read more

Mpox (Monkeypox)

Monkeypox (mpox) is a rare infectious disease related to smallpox. While symptoms are usually mild, it can be serious and need medical attention.

Read more

Meningitis

Meningitis can be a life-threatening illness requiring urgent medical treatment. Learn more about meningitis, including the common symptoms.

Read more

Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacterium that can live in the stomach lining causing inflammation and sometimes ulcers (sores) and stomach cancer.

Read more

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral disease that can cause severe pneumonia. Know what to do in a future outbreak.

Read more

Contact tracing

Contact tracing is a method used to slow the spread of infections by identifying people who have been in contact with an infected person.

Read more

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.

Read more

Measles

Measles is a very infectious viral disease. It’s spread via droplets in the air. Learn about the symptoms of measles and why vaccination is essential.

Read more

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is medicine that aims to stop or slow down the growth of cancer cells. Find out how 'chemo' treatment works and its side effects.

Read more

Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease that mostly affects the lungs. It can live in your body for years before causing symptoms.

Read more

Smallpox

Smallpox is a highly infectious disease, eradicated worldwide by successful vaccination. Read about prevention and its relationship to monkeypox.

Read more

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.

Read more

Whooping cough

Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection and is most serious in babies. Here's how to spot the symptoms and protect infants.

Read more

Flu (influenza)

Influenza is a viral infection that affects your nose and throat. Find out more about the flu and how to protect yourself by getting vaccinated.

Read more

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome is a rare, life-threatening illness where your kidneys stop working properly, most common in children under 5 years.

Read more

Bowel infections

Bowel or gastrointestinal infections can affect anyone. Learn about the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of different bowel infections.

Read more

Q fever

Q fever is an infection that you can catch from cows, sheep, goats and kangaroos. Learn more about Q fever symptoms, prevention and treatment.

Read more

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an infectious disease that usually affects your nose and throat. Learn more about diphtheria symptoms, treatment and vaccination.

Read more

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that occurs in some humans and animals in humid conditions. Learn what you can do to prevent it.

Read more

Rabies

Rabies in humans is caused by a bite or scratch from an infected animal. Learn what to do if you are bitten by an animal that may have rabies.

Read more

Boils

Boils are painful, red, pus-filled lumps that can occur anywhere on your skin. Read about causes, treatment and how to prevent them from spreading.

Read more

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation. Unlike other types of hepatitis, hepatitis A doesn't cause long-term liver damage.

Read more

Cryptosporidiosis

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

Read more

Meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease is a serious infection that can develop very quickly – find out about the symptoms and when to get medical attention.

Read more

Mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral infection, which can cause facial swelling. Find out more about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of mumps.

Read more

What is a pandemic?

A pandemic is a global spread of new diseases, such as COVID-19 and influenza. Here's what you need to know, including how epidemics are different.

Read more