The role of public health alerts
What is a public health alert?
Public health alerts provide you with information about current health issues that may affect you and your community.
Who monitors public health safety?
Public health safety is monitored by the federal, state and territory health departments.
Each state and territory monitor and report on public health issues, such as infectious disease case numbers and exposure locations. They also provide information and advice on incidents affecting the public’s health and safety.
How do I get a public health alert?
Public health alerts are usually issued by federal, state and territory health departments. But you may also find out about a health alert through the media or your workplace, education provider or community contacts.
Find alerts for your state or territory below:
NSW Health Alert
13 October 2025: Any patients who have received dental treatment from Mr Safuan (Steven) Hasic at 70 Victoria Ave, Mortdale NSW 2223 may be at risk of blood-borne viruses and should see their GP for precautionary testing. More information is available from NSW Health.
More information
Learn about common health issues often included in public health alerts and how you can support and protect yourself.
The role of a GP
Your GP (general practitioner) is usually the first person to go to if you’re sick. GPs coordinate your healthcare — watch this video to learn more.
Immunisation and vaccinations
Immunisation and vaccinations are preventative measures to help protect children and adults against harmful infections and diseases before they come into contact with them.
Infectious diseases
There are many kinds of infectious diseases. Find out about conditions like shingles, chlamydia, measles, conjunctivitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis and more.
Blood-borne viruses (BBVs)
Blood-borne viruses are viruses that are carried in the blood, like hepatitis and HIV. Learn about treatment and prevention.
Extreme weather
Learn how to prepare for bushfires, floods and other natural disasters, protect your health and understand which health conditions put you at greater risk.
Notification of illness and disease
Notifiable diseases require reporting to government health authorities. Learn why this is important and what information must be shared.
Listeria and listeriosis
Listeriosis, a food poisoning caused by Listeria bacteria, poses risks for pregnant women, older people and those with weak immune systems.
Salmonella
Salmonella is a bacterial infection causing gastro-like symptoms, such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever. Learn about causes and treatments.
Legionnaires' disease
Legionnaires' disease is a severe and sometimes life-threatening form of pneumonia. Read more information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
If you need healthcare advice now, call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: October 2025
