Contact tracing is the process of identifying people (contacts) who may have been exposed to someone infected with virus or infection. Informing contacts that they may have been exposed to an infection can help slow the spread of that condition and reduce the chance of long term health issues.
If you have an infection, your doctor may ask for information about your contacts, so they can be tested for the infection and treated if necessary. This can help reduce the spread of the condition. Contacts are sometimes offered counselling as well, depending on the infection.
Contact tracing is commonly used to identify the contacts of people with:
Contact tracing is currently being used to help identify people in the community at risk of mpox (previously known as monkeypox). Mpox contacts are being classed as high, medium or low risk. Preventative vaccination is recommended for high-risk contacts. Mpox is related to the virus that causes smallpox and is spread via close contact.
Until recently, contact tracing was used to identify communities at risk from COVID-19. Contact tracing may still be used in high-risk settings such as aged care facilities, residential care facilities and hospitals.
Contact tracing is recommended if you have an infection or disease that can be passed to others you've been in contact with (your contacts).
In addition to STIs and mpox, contact tracing is also recommended for infectious diseases such as:
The public health obligation for contact tracing can change at any time. Ask your doctor for more information about when to inform your contacts about your illness.
The timeframe for contact tracing depends on:
Different STIs have different timeframes for contact tracing. This is because the goal is to identify the contact who was the source of the infection and any other partners who may have been infected.
For the following STIs, the recommended timeframe for contact tracing is:
For HIV, you should inform contacts that you have engaged in risky behaviours with since your last negative test.
For some STIs, the timeframe may be longer depending on your circumstances. Your doctor will be able to provide more information.
In the case of other infectious diseases, your doctor will give you relevant advice based on current public health guidelines.
Your doctor or other healthcare professional will be able to help you identify your contacts. The definition of a contact depends on the nature of the disease and how it is spread.
Your contacts might include:
Depending on the type of infection, your contacts may also include:
In the case of STIs, your contacts include anyone you have had sexual contact with, regardless of whether or not you used a condom.
For blood-borne viruses, such as HIV (Opens in new tab) or hepatitis B (Opens in new tab), contacts include any sexual partners as well as anyone you might have shared needles with or who may have been exposed to your blood.
For tuberculosis or meningococcal disease, a contact is usually someone you have had close and prolonged contact with, such as someone who lives in the same household.
For COVID-19, the definition of close contacts changes based on local coronavirus loads and government decisions in your area. The COVIDSafe app is no longer being used for contact tracing purposes.
Talk to your doctor to find out who your close contacts are and what steps you need to take.
You can decide how you want your contacts to be informed. You can tell your doctor or health professional which contacts you want them to inform and which contacts you will inform.
If you decide to let contacts know personally, you will be given factsheets to share with them. The Let Them Know (Opens in new tab) website has examples of simple letters and messages that you can send to your sexual contacts. This service allows you to sign the messages personally or send them anonymously.
Whether you or your healthcare professional informs your contacts, they should be told that:
All contacts will be encouraged to visit a doctor or clinic. They will usually be offered counselling, testing and treatment. For some conditions, such as meningococcal disease, they may be offered vaccinations.
In the case of some infectious diseases, close or household contacts of a confirmed case may be asked to self-isolate for a period of time. Your doctor will inform you and your contacts if this is required.
For a list of services to help with contact tracing you can visit the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) (Opens in new tab).
There are websites available to help you inform your contacts that they be at risk of an STI.
If you need guidance and support for an STI:
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Last reviewed: September 2024
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