Diseases A to Z

Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) causes a rare but serious disease in humans. Anyone bitten or scratched by a bat in Australia should seek urgent medical attention. We monitor and report on human ABLV cases in our community.

Barmah Forest virus infection is spread by mosquitoes. It is usually not serious, but some people have symptoms for many months. Preventing mosquito bites is the best protection. We support national monitoring of Barmah Forest virus infections.

Bird flu mainly spreads to people from infected birds. Infections in people are rare but can be severe. Stay away from sick or dead birds to protect yourself. We support national monitoring and work alongside animal and environmental authorities to help respond to bird flu.

Botulism is a rare disease that affects the nervous system. It can cause death. It most often spreads through contaminated food, soil or dust. Babies under the age of 12 months are most at risk. Good food safety practices are the best protection. We monitor and report on botulism in our community.

Campylobacteriosis is a type of bacterial gastroenteritis. It usually spreads to people through contaminated food. It can be serious. Safe food practices and good hygiene are the best protection. We monitor and report on national case numbers and trends.

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection. It causes an itchy rash and flu-like symptoms. It can be serious. Getting vaccinated is the best protection. We monitor and report on chickenpox in our community, including national case numbers and trends.

Chikungunya virus spreads to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. It can be serious. The best protection is to prevent mosquito bites. We support national monitoring of chikungunya, including national case numbers and trends.

Chlamydia is a sexually transmissible infection (STI). People with chlamydia often don’t have symptoms, but it can be serious if left untreated. Practising safe sex is the best protection, along with regular testing. We monitor chlamydia trends and provide guidelines to reduce risk.

COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It spreads through respiratory droplets and airborne particles. It can be serious, especially for certain groups. Getting vaccinated is the best protection. We monitor and report on national data and provide guidelines to minimise the risk.

Cryptosporidiosis is a type of gastroenteritis caused by a parasite. It usually spreads to people through contaminated water and food. Safe food practices and good hygiene are the best protection. We monitor and report on national case numbers and trends.

Dengue is caused by a virus that spreads to people through bites from infected mosquitoes. Preventing mosquito bites is the best protection. We support national monitoring of dengue. We provide guidelines to minimise the risk.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection. It most often spreads through respiratory droplets, or direct contact with the wound. Getting vaccinated is the best protection. We monitor and report on national case numbers and trends. We provide guidelines to minimise the risk.

Ebola virus disease is a severe illness caused by the Ebola virus. About half of people with Ebola die. It spreads through contact with infected blood and body fluids. We monitor the global Ebola situation, including case numbers and trends.

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmissible infection (STI). People with gonorrhoea often have no symptoms but it can be serious if left untreated. Practising safe sex is the best protection, along with regular testing. We monitor gonorrhoea trends and provide guidelines to reduce the risk.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacterium that can cause serious disease. It most often spreads through respiratory droplets or respiratory secretions. Getting vaccinated is the best protection. We monitor and report on Hib in our community, including national case numbers and trends.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. You can get infected by ingesting food or water contaminated with faeces or contact with an infected person. It can be serious, especially for high-risk groups. Vaccination and good hygiene can protect you. We monitor and report on national case data.

Hepatitis B is a highly contagious viral infection. It causes serious liver disease. It spreads through blood and certain body fluids. Vaccination is the best protection. We monitor and report on national case data and trends. We provide strategies to minimise risk.

Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver. You can get infected through blood-to-blood contact, such as when sharing needles. It’s treatable but can be serious. We monitor and report on national case data.

Hepatitis E is a viral infection of the liver. It mainly spreads through contaminated food or water. It can be serious. Good hygiene and food safety practices are the best protection. We monitor and report on national case data and trends.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affects the body’s immune system. It is preventable and treatable. Australia’s HIV response is world leading. We monitor and support reporting on national data and trends. We provide guidelines to minimise the risk.

Invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS) is a rare but serious bacterial infection. It progresses quickly and can be fatal. We monitor and report on iGAS. We provide guidelines to help minimise risk.

Invasive meningococcal disease is a rare but serious bacterial infection. It spreads through close and prolonged contact. Getting vaccinated is the best protection. We monitor and report on national case numbers and trends and provide guidelines to prevent spread.

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is a rare but serious bacterial infection. It usually spreads through respiratory droplets or respiratory secretions. Getting vaccinated is the best protection. We monitor and report on IPD in our community, including national case numbers and trends.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) spreads to humans and other animals through infected mosquitoes. Most people don’t get any symptoms. For the small number who do, it can cause severe illness or even death. The best protection is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes and getting vaccinated.

Legionellosis is a bacterial lung infection that can be serious. It most often spreads to people when they breathe in contaminated aerosols from water or soil. We monitor and report on legionellosis, including national case numbers and trends. We provide guidelines to minimise the risk.