News

This Women's Health Week, women are encouraged to put their health first. Learn why prevention, early detection and regular health checks are important for lifelong wellbeing.

For World Field Epidemiology Day, we're recognising the experts working behind the scenes to protect Australia's health.

H5 bird flu has been detected in birds and other wildlife in Australia, including mammals. The risk to people remains low. Avoid contact with sick or dead birds or animals, record what you see and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.

Australia has a new 5-year strategic plan to progress towards eliminating tuberculosis and improving health equity.

We’re now inviting applications from eligible organisations for grants under the Continuation of the Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Response Measures Program.

A report outlining priority actions that will help eliminate syphilis in newborns has been released. Find out how we are working across all Australian governments and the health sector to meet our goals.

H5 bird flu detections in Australian birds have increased, but the risk to people remains low. Avoid contact with sick or dead birds or animals, record what you see and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.

Following the positive H5 avian influenza (bird flu) detection in a local greater crested tern, we reassessed public health risk and determined the risk to people in Australia remains low. We will continue to monitor the situation and re-assess risk as the situation evolves.

Respirable crystalline silica causes serious and often life-threatening illnesses. New guidance for health professionals helps protect those most at risk.

Two seabirds found in an isolated area in southern Western Australia have returned positive results for H5 avian influenza (bird flu). The current risk of bird flu to people in Australia is low.

Hepatitis Australia has developed new resources to encourage hepatitis B testing and connection to care, particularly for communities at higher risk. A simple blood test can help diagnose hepatitis B, and effective care is available.

Australia’s highly successful vaccine program has reduced HPV prevalence by 90% in vaccine eligible people, but a new report finds vaccination rates are dropping.

Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AO, today declared diphtheria a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS).

Australia is currently experiencing the biggest diphtheria outbreak since records began. Public health authorities in impacted states and territories, primarily the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia, are working hard to manage and contain the outbreak.

There is an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus – a type of Ebola virus – in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The risk to Australia is low.

MV Hondius passengers today landed at RAAF Base Pearce and started their quarantine in the nearby Bullsbrook Centre for National Resilience. The risk of hantavirus to the Australian population is very low.

On their return to Australia, the returned MV Hondius passengers will head into quarantine in Perth, with strict infection protection and control measures in place for their flight, arrival, transfer and quarantine. The risk of hantavirus to the Australian population remains low.

The risk of hantavirus to the Australian and global population remains low. There are no reports of hantavirus infection in humans in Australia.

We are monitoring the hantavirus infection outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic. Hantavirus has never been reported in humans in Australia, but Australians travelling to areas where hantavirus is common should take steps to protect themselves.

Poliovirus has been detected in a wastewater sample in Perth, Western Australia. Although the risk to the community remains very low, it’s a timely reminder to check you’re up to date with vaccination.

We’re seeking expressions of interest from exceptional people to join our Advisory Council. This is your chance to use your expertise and experience to help protect Australia from health threats, now and in the years to come.

We are seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Chief Medical Advisor – a pivotal position at the centre of national public health leadership. This role will help shape how Australia understands and responds to public health risk.

Australia has been awarded a World Health Organization (WHO) Certificate of Containment for its designated poliovirus laboratory facility.

Last year, Australia recorded 912 cases of Q fever – the highest number since national monitoring began in 1991. If you work around certain animals, take steps to protect yourself.

As winter gets closer severe respiratory illnesses are more likely – especially for high-risk groups. We should aways do what we can to prevent illness. But with unusually high levels of flu in late 2025, taking simple steps to protect yourself early will be especially important this winter.