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.

Bird flu mainly spreads to people from infected birds. Infections in people are rare but can cause severe illness or death. Stay away from sick or dead birds to protect yourself. We monitor bird flu in our community. We work with animal and environmental authorities to respond to bird flu.

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, especially for certain groups. 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 monitor and report on chikungunya in our community, 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.

Dengue is caused by a virus that spreads to people through bites from infected mosquitoes. Preventing mosquito bites is the best protection. We monitor and report on dengue in our community, including 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Listeriosis is an infection caused by bacteria in contaminated food. It can be serious. Safe food practices and avoiding high-risk foods for people at greater risk are the best protection. We provide guidelines and monitor and report on listeriosis, including national case numbers.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. It can be very serious and cause hospitalisation or death. Getting vaccinated is the best protection. We monitor and report on measles in our community, including national case numbers and trends. We provide guidelines to minimise the risk of spread.

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness. It spreads to people from infected camels. It can be life threatening, especially for certain groups. Avoiding contact with camels when travelling to places with MERS is the best protection. We monitor the global MERS situation.

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). It spreads through contact with infected people or animals, but you can take steps to protect yourself. We monitor and report on case numbers and trends and provide guidelines to minimise the risk.

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that infects the salivary glands. It can be serious. Getting vaccinated is the best protection. We monitor and report on mumps in our community, including national case numbers and trends.

Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus spreads to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Although the disease is rare, it can cause serious illness or death. Preventing mosquito bites is the best protection. We monitor and report on MVE and provide guidelines to minimise the risk.

Polio is a highly contagious viral disease. It can lead to long-term disability and death. In Australia, the risk of polio is low, but vaccination is still important. We monitor and report on polio cases and wastewater detections and provide guidelines to minimise the risk.

Q fever is a bacterial infection that can spread to people from animals, mainly through breathing in contaminated dust. It can be serious. Getting vaccinated is the best protection if you are at risk of exposure. We monitor and report on Q fever cases and provide guidelines to minimise the risk.

Rabies is a rare but fatal disease that affects the brain and central nervous system. Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal overseas should seek urgent medical attention. The best prevention is not touching animals while overseas. We monitor rabies overseas and provide guidelines for exposures.