Visit this Alerts page regularly to keep abreast of the latest health developments in our region as they unfold.
See also these fact sheets produced by ACT Health's Health Protection Service on various health matters, including diseases and key environmental health issues.
In this section:
Avoid Burmese traditional powders
Health Directorate advises avoiding the use of Burmese traditional powders at present, while an investigation continues.
Measles in the ACT
This week, two people were diagnosed with measles in the ACT. These people have no known links to the recent measles outbreak associated with an ACT school.
Gastro Incident Investigations
ACT Health is currently investigating an outbreak of Salmonella gastroenteritis linked to a Canberra food business.
Measles at Orana Steiner School
The ACT Health Directorate has been notified of measles in students from the Orana Steiner School in Weston. This suggests that exposure to measles has occurred in the general community and is possible that there may be additional cases of measles over the next few weeks.
Hepatitis A at a Canberra School
Please see this Health Directorate information about a Hepatitis A incident in the ACT.
Flu Vaccination Reminder
Vaccination is the single most effective action to prevent the spread of influenza in the community.
Prohibition of Products containing Synthetic Cannabis
ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Paul Kelly stated today that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced that it has taken measures to ban a range of synthetic cannabinoids (synthetic cannabis) under Commonwealth law, which will come into effect from 8 July 2011.
Health Alert Issued re: Restaurant
ACT Health issued a public health alert today because a food handler has been diagnosed with Hepatitis E.
Death Cap Mushroom Warning
The Death Cap mushroom is a deadly poisonous introduced fungus responsible for 90% of all mushroom related deaths.
ACT Health Issues Bats Warning
ACT Health has received a number of requests for anti-rabies treatment in recent weeks for people who have been bitten or scratched by bats.
Slimming Products Health Warning
Health Warning: Do not consume Slimming Seed products.
Rotavirus and Intussusception
Recent studies in Australia and overseas suggest that there is a small increase in the risk of intussusception among babies in the first one to seven days after receiving the first dose of rotavirus vaccine. Studies are continuing to check this and to determine whether the increased risk extends past the first week or occurs after other doses. For more information go to the Immunise Australia website.
Information for Parents
| Download: | Information for Parents ( 25 February, 2011) (PDF File - 202k) |
Information for Health professionals
| Download: | CHO letter 25 February 2011 (PDF File - 57k) Factsheet for providers (PDF File - 206k) |
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
An increase in the incidence of pertussis has been observed in the ACT over the last six months. A similar increase has been observed in NSW. Current information on numbers of cases can be found on the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System website. The NSW Health website also contains some important information about preventing the spread of pertussis.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) (17 February, 2011)
ACT Health heat advisory
ACT Health and the ACT Ambulance Service have advised Canberrans to keep cool and hydrated in the heat, as temperatures soar this week.
Recall of weight loss products
Three brands of weight loss product have been found by the NSW Food Authority to contain sibutramine.
Asbestos at the Observatory Building
The relatively short duration of the exposure to loose asbestos fibres, means that the probablity of contracting an asbestos-related disease is very low.
Influenza in the ACT
Over 2,500 Australians die each year from complications caused by influenza. Influenza is not a cold. It is a highly contagious disease.
Death cap mushrooms
ACT Health is reminding people to steer clear of the world's most deadly mushroom the Death Cap. All parts of this mushroom are poisonous, and eating just one mushroom can be fatal.
Rabies and Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABL)
ACT Health advices people to not handle bats at all, even if they are trapped or injured. If you need assistance with the management of a trapped or injured bat, contact the RSPCA for assistance or visit the RSPCA website.
ACT Health advices people to not handle bats at all, even if they are trapped or injured. If you need assistance with the management of a trapped or injured bat, contact the RSPCA for assistance or visit the RSPCA website.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
An increase in the incidence of pertussis has been observed in the ACT, with a large number of cases occurring amongst school aged children. A similar increase has been observed in NSW. Current information on numbers of cases can be found on the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System website. The NSW Health website also contains some important information about preventing the spread of pertussis.
Meningococcal disease
The meningococcus is a bacterium that can be found at the back of the throat or in the nose in about 10% of the community at any given time. Although most people who carry these bacteria remain quite well, they are able to spread the bacteria to others, a few of who may become very ill.
