Diseases A to Z

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.

Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) is a rare bacterial infection. It is curable but causes serious complications if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the infection spreading to others.

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 can be life threatening. It mainly spreads to people from infected camels. Avoiding contact with camels when travelling to places with MERS is the best protection.

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.

Queensland tick typhus is a bacterial infection that spreads to humans through infected ticks, usually found along the east coast of Australia and the Torres Strait Islands. It is usually mild, but can cause severe illness or death. There is no vaccine. The best protection is to prevent tick bites.

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.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) usually spreads through contaminated food. It can cause bloody diarrhoea and a serious condition called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). Good food safety practices are the best protection.

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.