News

Cases of measles are on the rise in Australia. Protect yourself and your family by getting vaccinated.

For World Field Epidemiology Day, here’s a glimpse into the life of our experts at the heart of Australia’s defence against communicable disease. As an integral part of a larger public health team, our epis – as we affectionately call them – translate data into life-saving action.

Today, the Australian Government introduced draft legislation into Parliament to establish Australia’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC).

Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AO, today declared syphilis a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS). This follows ongoing and concerning rises in case numbers in Australia.

Respiratory viral infections – including flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – continue to circulate this winter. Although we’re nearing the end of winter, it’s not too late to protect yourself against these potentially serious illnesses.

Read the joint statement from Australia’s Chief Medical Officer and Chief Veterinary Officer on the importance of a One Health approach this World Zoonosis Day.

Catch up on the action from last week's event in our highlights video.

Communicable Diseases Intelligence (CDI) has moved to a new, open access platform, bringing 2,650 surveillance reports and research articles along.

Catch up on insights from the first day of the event.

Getting that tickle in your throat, those telling shivers or that annoying blocked nose never sparks joy. But if you get a viral respiratory infection, like a cold or the flu, remember – antibiotics are not the answer.

The Australian Government has released its new National Immunisation Strategy to guide Australia’s fight against vaccine-preventable diseases over the next 5 years.

Be aware this winter of the effects of poor indoor air quality, and take simple steps to improve the quality of air in your home.

From pandemic preparedness to climate resilience, the One Health Symposium will advance cross-sector collaboration on human, animal, plant and environmental health.

Flu season has begun. While flu cases are elevated, they remain lower than flu cases at the same time in previous years. There is no cause for concern. We track data for the flu and 69 other diseases to help us understand, predict and prepare for disease threats so we can respond if needed.

We’re presenting at the Public Health Association of Australia 2025 Communicable Disease and Immunisation Conference (CDIC) in Adelaide. Join us later this month to learn more about communicable disease management and surveillance from experts around Australia.

As floodwaters recede in New South Wales, look after yourself – both physically and emotionally. Floods increase the risk of infections, mosquito-borne illnesses, and food and water contamination. Finding medicines can be harder, and the mental health toll, significant. Support is available.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome – or MERS – is a rare but severe disease that causes difficulty in breathing, and in extreme cases, death. It is spread from camels, their products or infected people to other people.

The first case of mpox clade Ib in Australia is a timely reminder to at-risk population groups to get vaccinated. The risk of community transmission from this case is low. However, the Australian Government is monitoring the situation.

We’re teaming up with the CSIRO to host the fifth webinar in the One Health Wonders series. Join us on 13 May 2025 to learn about bats in our changing environment.

Let’s unpick some of the technical language around disease – explaining the difference between endemic, epidemic and pandemic.

All Australians should be aware of the danger of measles to people of all ages and what steps you can take to protect you and your loved ones.

Social gatherings and travel can contribute to the spread of disease during holiday times. Get informed and reduce your risk of infectious illness.

Read a statement from the Australian Government Chief Medical Officer Professor Anthony Lawler about measles in Australia.

The 2024 Annual Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report is now available. This is the first national annual reporting of COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other acute respiratory infections in Australia.

Health risks in the aftermath of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in Queensland and New South Wales remain serious. These include infections, difficulty getting medicines, contaminated food or water, and mosquito-borne illnesses. Take care of yourself and loved ones. Support is available.