Infectious Diseases

What is COVID-19? COVID-19 is a type of virus. It was first detected in 2019. It is infectious and can spread through saliva droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, speaks or breathes. or coughs.  For many people, COVID–19 only causes mild symptoms. The most common symptoms include fever, cough,...

What is hand hygiene? Hand hygiene is having clean hands. It means cleaning your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser. It is the best way to prevent the spread of germs. You can get germs on your hands by touching your eyes, mouth or nose. Even if your...

What is hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. The infection is spread when faeces (poo) with the virus touches hands, objects, water or food. It can affect anyone. There is no treatment for hepatitis A. You can manage your symptoms by resting, drinking water and...

Can I manage my COVID-19 at home? Most people can safely manage COVID-19 at home. This means if you get COVID-19, it is usually not severe or life-threatening. If you have not had the recommended dose of COVID-19 vaccine, are over 65 years of age, have a chronic health condition...

What is measles? Measles is a viral disease that spreads easy and can cause severe problems. It remains a common cause of death in children under 5 in some parts of the world. Measles is rare in Australia but remains common in many parts of the world. In most cases,...

What is meningitis? Meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. It is very rare but serious. If you are worried that you or someone you care for has meningitis, call triple zero (000) immediately.

What is mpox? Mpox, also called monkeypox, is a rare virus. Most people are not at risk of mpox. It can be spread between animals and humans. You can get mpox after having close contact with an infected person, animal, or object. People at most risk of mpox in Australia...

What is rabies and bat lyssavirus? Rabies and Australian bat lyssavirus are viruses that spread through bites or scratches from infected animals. These viruses cause a disease called rabies. Rabies affects the central nervous system and is fatal. It causes paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death.  The rabies virus does not...

What is a staphylococcus (staph) infection? Staphylococcus aureus (or ‘staph’) and Group A streptococcus (GAS) are kinds of bacteria which can be found on the skin. These bacterias can sometimes cause skin infections. These bacterias are more commonly found in children than adults. A staph infection is contagious.   For...

What is zika virus? Zika is a virus that spreads through infected mosquito bites. It can also be sexually transmitted. In most cases, Zika is mild. But it can be dangerous for pregnant women. A pregnant woman with Zika can pass the virus to her baby which may cause birth...