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.

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Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that occurs to some humans and animals in humid conditions. The condition is treatable, but there are simple steps you can take to avoid getting leptospirosis.

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Ebola virus

Ebola is a rare and often fatal illness. Learn about the Ebola virus, who’s at risk, symptoms and treatment options.

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Vaccine preventable diseases

Vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) — such as measles, mumps — can be prevented by an immunisation program. Learn more about VPDs in Australia.

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Shingles — infographic

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful blistering rash. This infographic provides you with information on the symptoms, treatments and vaccination.

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Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a rare infectious bacterial disease that usually affects the nose and throat. Learn more about its vaccination, symptoms and how it spreads.

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Mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral infection, most common in children between 5 and 15 years. These days it’s rare thanks to effective immunisation.

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How do I know if I'm immune to measles?

Cases of measles have risen by 30% globally, and in places where it was eradicated — including Australia. Now's the time to check your immunity to measles or get vaccinated.

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Free meningococcal vaccine to help protect Australian teenagers

More than 1 million teenagers will get a free meningococcal vaccine over the next 4 years, once it's added to the National Immunisation Schedule in April 2019.

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What does measles rash look like?

There have been several confirmed cases of measles acquired by people returning from overseas. Here's what you need to know about potentially deadly measles.

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Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a dangerous infection, although the routine vaccination of babies has meant it is now rare in Australia. Learn more here.

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Meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease is a serious infection caused by Meningococcus bacteria. It can develop quickly, and it can be fatal. Learn about the bacteria and how it’s spread, common symptoms and when to seek medical attention.

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Tetanus

Tetanus is an infection that can be fatal. Because of immunisation, few people now get tetanus in Australia. Find out more about tetanus on our trusted partner pages.

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Polio (poliomyelitis)

Polio is a highly contagious viral infection. It can cause paralysis and death, so immunisation is important to prevent polio. Learn here about symptoms, how polio is spread and treatment options.

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Rubella (German measles)

Rubella (also known as German measles) is best prevented by the MMR vaccination. Learn more about its distinctive rash, other symptoms and treatments.

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Measles

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease, spread from person to person via droplets in the air. Learn about the symptoms and why vaccination is essential.

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Shingles

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus. Here's how to recognise the symptoms and find the treatment that's best for you.

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School exclusion for health reasons

Kids with certain infectious diseases must stay away from school or childcare. Find out how exclusions work and when your child can return to school.

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Chickenpox (varicella)

Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness, but can also occur in adults. Here’s how to help ease symptoms and discomfort.

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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.

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Tuberculosis

This highly infectious disease, which mostly affects the lungs, can be spread through coughing, sneezing, speaking or even singing.

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Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is an illness that causes inflmmation to your liver. Hepatitis A usually doesn't cause long-term damage like other types of hepatitis can.

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Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Australia. Learn more about the prevention, testing and treatment of chlamydia, as well as contact tracing.

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HIV infection and AIDS

Today, people with HIV are unlikely to develop AIDS if they get effective treatment. Here’s what to do if you think you might have been exposed.

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