Diseases A to Z

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that spreads to people through water, food or soil contaminated with urine from infected animals. It is more common in warm, humid areas and after flooding. It can be serious. We monitor and report on case numbers and trends.

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.

Malaria spreads to humans via infected mosquitoes. It can be serious. The best protection is to prevent mosquito bites. Speak to a healthcare professional about your malaria risk before travelling overseas. We monitor the global malaria situation and publish national case numbers and trends.

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 support national monitoring of 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 support national monitoring of Q fever cases and provide guidelines.

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.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious respiratory virus. RSV often spreads through respiratory droplets. It can be serious, especially for high-risk groups. Getting vaccinated is the best protection. We monitor and report on RSV in our community, including national case numbers.

Ross River virus spreads to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Symptoms of Ross River virus may last for many months. Preventing mosquito bites is the best protection. We support national monitoring of Ross River virus.

Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe gastroenteritis. It spreads through contact with an infected person or things contaminated with faeces or vomit. Vaccination in infancy and good hygiene are the best protection. We monitor and report on rotavirus cases.

Rubella is a contagious viral illness. Infection during pregnancy can be serious for unborn babies. Getting vaccinated is the best protection. We monitor and report on rubella, including national case numbers and trends. We provide guidelines to minimise the risk.

Salmonellosis is an illness caused by infection with Salmonella bacteria. It usually spreads through contaminated food. It can be serious. Good hygiene and safe food practices are the best protection. We monitor and report on national case numbers and trends.

Seasonal flu most often spreads through respiratory droplets. It can be serious, especially for high-risk groups. Getting vaccinated is the best protection. We monitor and report on flu in our community, including national case numbers. We provide guidelines to minimise the risk.

Shigellosis is a type of bacterial gastroenteritis. It can be serious. It usually spreads through contact with stool from an infected person. Good hygiene practices are the best protection. We monitor and report on national case numbers and trends.

Shingles is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in people who have had chickenpox. It can be serious, especially for certain groups. Getting vaccinated is the best protection. We monitor and report on shingles in our community, including national case numbers and trends.

Syphilis is a sexually transmissible infection (STI) caused by bacteria. It can go undetected, so regular testing is important. It’s easy to cure if found early, but can be serious if untreated. We monitor and report on syphilis case numbers and trends and provide guidelines to minimise the risk.

Tetanus is a rare but serious disease caused by bacteria in soil, dust and manure. People can get infected through skin wounds. Getting vaccinated is the best protection. We monitor and report on tetanus in our community.

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs. People with tuberculosis disease in their lungs can spread it to others through airborne transmission. Early treatment of people with tuberculosis is the best way to prevent serious illness and spread to others.

Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are serious bacterial infections. They spread through contaminated food and water. Getting vaccinated and good food safety practices are the best protection. We monitor and report on typhoid and paratyphoid fever. We provide guidelines to minimise the risk.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a bacterium that causes gastroenteritis and other infections. It mainly spreads to people when they eat contaminated seafood. Safe food practices are the best protection. We monitor and report on national case numbers and trends.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It spreads through respiratory droplets and can be serious, especially for babies. Getting vaccinated is the best protection. We monitor and report on pertussis in our community, including national case numbers and trends.