Infections

Learn about what the symptoms of COVID-19 are, how it spreads and what viral shedding is.

Advice on what to do if you have been identified as a contact of someone with mpox.

Information and advice on what to do if you have tested positive for mpox.

Anthrax is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial disease that occasionally infects humans.

Aspergillus is a fungus that commonly grows on rotting vegetation. It can cause asthma symptoms.

The simplest form of prevention for lyssavirus is to avoid close contact with bats.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance of the bacteria normally present in the vagina. Includes causes, symptoms, transmission, treatments, prevention and where to get help.

Barmah Forest virus (BFV) disease can cause joint inflammation and pain, fatigue and a rash of variable appearance. A full recovery can be expected. Most people recover completely within six months, although some people have intermittent symptoms for longer.

The symptoms of bird flu in humans are similar to those of regular influenza.

If you are bitten or stung by an insect or animal, apply first aid and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Some areas of the body are more susceptible to boils, including the face, throat, armpits, groin and buttocks.

Botulism is considered a medical emergency. If untreated, it may cause death.

Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans from infected animals.

Since the ulcer gets bigger with time, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of Buruli ulcer can keep skin loss to a minimum.

Candida is a genus of fungi (yeasts) that live on the skin and inside the human body. Candida auris (also called C. auris) is an uncommon fungus that can cause serious infections.

Enterobacterales is the name given to a type of bacteria or germs, many of which normally live in your bowel. A well-known member of Enterobacterales is Escherichia coli or E. coli.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin that occurs most commonly on the lower legs and in areas where the skin is damaged or inflamed.

A chest infection affects your lungs, either in the larger airways (bronchitis) or in the smaller air sacs (pneumonia).

Chickenpox is highly contagious, but it is generally mild and gets better without the need for special treatment.

Chlamydia is called a 'silent infection' because many do not realise they have it. Includes causes, symptoms, risks, transmission, diagnosis, STI checks, treatment, prevention, notifying partners.

Cold sores are blisters around the mouth and nose, caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Cold viruses are spread by sneezing, coughing and hand contact.

Coughing and wheezing in babies can be distressing for you and your baby, but in most cases symptoms can be relieved at home.

Croup is a viral infection of the throat and windpipe that causes noisy breathing, a hoarse voice and a harsh, barking cough.

Cystitis is the most common urinary tract infection in women.

If an unborn baby gets CMV from their mother, it can cause hearing loss and intellectual disability.

Dengue virus disease (dengue fever, or ‘dengue’) is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world.

Acute diarrhoea in babies and young children can be life threatening.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial disease that causes severe inflammation of the nose, throat and windpipe.

Ebola virus is a rare disease that can causes severe symptoms and can be life-threatening.

Epididymitis is an infection causing inflammation of the epididymis. All about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, complications, chronic epididymitis and where to get help.

A clean face and clean environment are the best protection against trachoma.

Activity and nutrition help fight fatigue and put more energy into your daily life.

A febrile convulsion is a fit that occurs in children when they have a high fever.

Listeria infection is uncommon but very dangerous for the elderly, people whose immune systems are not working properly and pregnant women and their unborn babies.

It is important to establish the cause of gastro, as different types of gastroenteritis respond to different treatments.

Amoebiasis can cause diarrhoea among travellers to developing countries.

Campylobacteriosis is a type of gastroenteritis and is more common in children under five years of age and young adults

Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have been associated with child care centres, public swimming pools and contaminated water supplies.

Most people infected with Giardia parasites do not develop symptoms but can still spread the infection to others.

You may be more prone to salmonellosis if you are elderly, have another medical condition (such as a weakened immune system) or are malnourished.

Outbreaks of shigella gastroenteritis can occur in institutional settings, particularly where children are still in nappies or adults are incontinent.

Gastroenteritis is common in young children and spreads easily. See your doctor if your child is vomiting often, not drinking, showing signs of dehydration or has blood in their poo.

Genital herpes is common and may not cause symptoms. More on causes, transmission, symptoms, reinfections, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, pregnancy and where to get support.

Genital warts are a common sexually transmissible infection (STI). About causes, signs, symptoms, transmission, treatment, reinfection, prevention, HPV vaccines, cervical cancer screening and support.

Glandular fever is most common among high school and university students, but young children can also become infected by saliva on toys, shared cups, or the hands of carers.

Gonorrhoea, also spelt gonorrhea, affects both men and women and is transmitted during sex, it may lead to infertility in women if left untreated.

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is a rare condition which can lead to chronic kidney damage or death from kidney failure.

Good personal hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease to others, both for those infected and their carers.

Endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves or the inner lining of the heart.

The best defence against Hendra virus is to avoid contact with an infected horse.

Hepatitis is an umbrella term for several diseases that affect the liver.

Immunisation is the best protection against hepatitis A infection and it is recommended for people in high-risk groups.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to serious illness or death.

In Australia, hepatitis C is most often spread through the sharing of drug injecting equipment. New all oral combination treatment has greatly improved health outcomes for people with hepatitis C.

All about HIV and AIDS including HIV transmission, how HIV spreads, prevention, symptoms, treatment, testing, letting sexual partners know, reducing stigma and where to get help.

Impetigo, or school sores, is a highly contagious skin infection that commonly affects school-aged children.

Influenza (the flu) is caused by a virus. The flu is more than just a bad cold. It can occasionally lead to serious complications. Immunisation offers protection from flu.

Japanese encephalitis is a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) which can be spread to humans through mosquito bites.

Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis are disorders that result in inflammation of the inner ear and the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain.

Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia.

Once a person with leprosy begins treatment they quickly become non-infectious.

Leptospirosis is a disease spread from animals to humans, caused by infection with the bacteria Leptospira.

Travellers who visit malarial locations should avoid mosquito bites and take anti-malarial drugs.

Measles can cause serious and sometimes fatal complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation.

Immunisation is the best protection against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox).

Meningitis can cause death and requires urgent medical attention.

Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious illness that usually takes the form of a blood infection (septicaemia) or infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).

Molluscum contagiosum can be mistaken for genital warts or pimples, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. More on symptoms, rash, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and where to get help.

Some mosquitoes can carry diseases that are transmitted through mosquito bites. It is often necessary for landowners and land occupiers to manage mosquito numbers through an integrated mosquito manage

You can reduce the risk of mosquito bites if you get rid of potential mosquito breeding sites around your home.

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It usually causes a mild illness with a rash. Most people recover within a few weeks.

Mumps is a viral illness that causes fever and swollen salivary glands, and a swollen face.

Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) is a serious viral infection, spread by mosquito bites.

Osteomyelitis means an infection of bone which can either be recent or longstanding.

Good personal hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of parechovirus to others, both for those infected and their carers.

Pericarditis symptoms may be similar to those of heart attack and include chest pain and abnormal heart rhythms.

People in contact with tropical fish and reptiles such as turtles, lizards and snakes may be at risk of infections and illness due to germs (such as bacteria, viruses and parasites) carried on the animals.

Despite the unsavoury reputation, a pinworm infection (worms) is relatively harmless and easily treated.

Treating any infection of the upper respiratory tract quickly will reduce the risk of developing pleurisy.

Pneumococcal disease is a leading cause of serious illness and death in young children.

Anyone can get pneumonia, but young children and the elderly are most susceptible.

Polio is a serious disease that can cause life-threatening paralysis and possibly death.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is antiviral medication to prevent HIV infection. Learn what is PEP, what PEP is for, where to get PEP, important reminders about PEP and where to get help.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an oral medication to prevent HIV in people at risk. All about PrEP, what PrEP is for, dosage, where to get PrEP, PrEP side effects, PrEP health checks and support.

People who have birds as pets, poultry workers and anyone working in aviaries or pet shops, are most at risk of catching psittacosis.

People who work with animals, particularly cattle, sheep and goats, or animal products are at a higher risk of Q fever.

Rabies is a highly fatal disease that affects the central nervous system.

Reactive arthritis is a form of arthritis that occurs as a result of some bacterial infections.

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a virus that can cause respiratory infections that affect the airways and lungs.

Untreated rheumatic fever can lead to serious complications such as rheumatic heart disease.

Roseola is a mild viral infection with associated fever and rash that affects babies and young children.

Most people recover from Ross River virus disease, although some people have symptoms for a year or more

Rotavirus is a common cause of viral gastroenteritis for Australian babies and preschool children.

Rubella is a mild illness for most people, but very dangerous for pregnant women and their babies.

Salpingitis is one of the most common causes of female infertility and may permanently damage the fallopian tubes.

There are many types of E.coli bacteria, most of which are harmless. However, some types of E.coli produce toxins (poisons) that can cause gastroenteritis (gastro). One of these types of E.coli is known as ‘shiga toxin-producing E.coli’ or STEC.

Shingles is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox.

Children with slapped cheek do not need to be kept home from school or day care, as cases are only contagious before the onset of the rash.

Smallpox was once a feared and highly contagious viral disease.

Hospital patients are more likely to be infected by golden staph because of surgical or other wounds.

Streptococcal infection group A can cause sore throats (pharyngitis), scarlet fever or impetigo (school sores).

Streptococcal infection – group B

Swimmer's ear can be triggered by exposure to water or mechanical damage due to overzealous cleaning.

It's important for your own health to control tapeworm infection in your dog.

Tetanus is a life-threatening disease and immunisation is the best way to reduce your risk.

Tinea is contagious and can be spread by skin-to-skin contact or indirectly through towels, clothes or floors.

If you think you could have toxic shock syndrome, stop using tampons immediately and go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital.

Problems only occur if a woman becomes infected with parasites that cause toxoplasmosis for the first time while pregnant.

If you are travelling or passing through areas infected with yellow fever, some countries require you to be vaccinated.

Tuberculosis (TB) is spread when a person with an active infection coughs, laughs, sings or sneezes.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can target the urethra, bladder or kidneys.

Vaginal thrush is common. All about causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention and what to do if you keep getting vaginal yeast infections.

Viral encephalitis is inflammation of the brain caused by a virus and can cause permanent brain damage.

Viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) is an extremely infectious and life threatening disease caused by a group of viruses, including the Ebola virus.

Warts can be stubborn, so you may need to use more than one type of treatment.

All disease-carrying mosquitoes breed in water or require water to enable eggs to hatch

The major symptom of whooping cough is a severe cough, which is often followed by a 'whooping' sound.

Williams syndrome often goes undiagnosed, which means that some people with the disorder fail to get the support and treatment they need until later in life.

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus. There is no cure, specific treatment or vaccine for Zika virus.

ኮቪድ-19ን ለመቆጣጠር እና ለመከላከል የሚሆን ምክር።

A family shares their experience when their baby daughter contracted whooping cough (or pertussis)