Diseases A to Z

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.

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.

Smallpox is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. In the past, it was a major public health problem and caused millions of deaths globally. Smallpox was eradicated in 1980 through vaccination – this remains one of the greatest public health successes in history.

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.

Tularaemia is a bacterial infection that can spread to people from infected animals. It is rare in Australia. It can cause death if untreated. We monitor and report on tularaemia, including national case numbers and trends.

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.

Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) is a very rare but serious brain disease. People get it by eating contaminated beef. vCJD is different to CJD, which can be inherited or occur spontaneously. It has never been detected in Australia. Beef sold in Australia is free from vCJD.

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.

Yellow fever is caused by a virus that spreads to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It can be serious and cause death. Preventing mosquito bites and getting vaccinated are the best protection. We monitor the global yellow fever situation.

Zika virus spreads to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It can be serious, especially for unborn babies. Preventing mosquito bites is the best protection. Read more about Zika virus and how to protect yourself and others.