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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 bowel infection caused by a parasite called cryptosporidium. Learn more about symptoms and when to see a doctor here.

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

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

Dogs can be infected with tapeworms.

Tapeworm infection

Infection from tapeworms can happen from drinking contaminated water or eating undercooked contaminated meat from infected animals. Learn more 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 that usually has no symptoms. Learn more about the causes and prevention options.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is an infection that usually spreads during sex, but also by sharing wet towels. Learn about treatment and prevention options.

Worms in humans

Several types of intestinal worms may infect people in Australia, but threadworms are by far the most common. Find out the symptoms and treatments.

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