WHAT IS CAMPYLOBACTERIOSIS?

• Campylobacteriosis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by bacteria called Campylobacter.
• In Australia, Campylobacter is the most common causes of bacterial gastroenteritis and is frequently associated with the consumption of contaminated poultry.
• Infection can occur at any time of the year but is more common in the warmer months.
• Testing of faeces (poo) samples will determine if you have the infection.

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WHAT IS CHICKEN POX? 

• Chickenpox (also called Varicella) is a viral illness caused by the herpes zoster virus, also known as the Varicella-Zoster virus.  
• Chickenpox usually causes mild illness in children but may reappear later in life as Shingles.
• Chickenpox in adults and people with weakened immune systems can cause severe illness.
• Infection during pregnancy can cause birth defects, skin scarring, and other complications for the baby. 
• There is vaccination available on the National Immunisation Program that is given to children at 18 months of age.

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WHAT IS CHLAMYDIA? 

• Chlamydia is a common sexually transmissible infection (STI) caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis.  
• Many people with chlamydia do not have symptoms but can still transmit chlamydia.   
• It is often called the ‘silent infection’ because most people do not realise, they have it.  
• If chlamydia is not treated properly, it can cause serious complications.  

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WHAT IS CONGENITAL SYPHILIS?

• Congenital syphilis is caused by a bacteria called Treponema pallidum.
• It occurs when a mother with syphilis passes the infection to her baby during pregnancy or birth.

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WHAT IS COVID-19?

• COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. This virus spreads quickly attacking the lungs and causing respiratory illness in humans.
• The symptoms are similar to the common cold, flu or pneumonia.
• Generally, people with COVID-19 develop symptoms 5-6 days after exposure to the virus.
• Most people have mild symptoms and recover without treatment, but some people become severely ill and need to be admitted in hospital and in some cases can go on to develop Long-COVID disease.
More information on long-COVID is available here: Long COVID – Better Health Channel.

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WHAT IS GONORRHOEA?

• Gonorrhoea (also known as gonno) is a common sexually transmissible infection (STI) caused by a bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae and can be passed on during sex without a condom.
• Gonorrhoea most commonly infects the urethra (urine passage) and the cervix (neck of the womb) but can also infect the throat and eyes.
• If left untreated, gonorrhoea can cause serious health problems including infections of the skin, joints and the covering of the brain (meningitis).
• If you have a vagina or uterus, untreated gonorrhoea can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) a condition that can lead to complications, including infertility (inability to get pregnant).

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WHAT IS INFLUENZA (FLU)? 

• Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses.
• There are two main types of human influenza viruses: A and B. Flu is more serious than the common cold and severe cases can result in breathing difficulties and life-threatening complications such including
• You can catch the Flu anytime during the year but it is most common in autumn and winter.
• Getting the flu is even more likely if you have been in contact with someone who has the flu.

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WHAT IS RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV)? 

• Respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, is a contagious virus that is a frequent cause of the common cold.
• It can occur in children and adults causing a respiratory infection with mild symptoms but some people get very sick and need hospital treatment.

There is no vaccine for RSV and infections are usually highest in autumn or winter in Victoria.
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WHAT IS SALMONELLOSIS?

• Salmonellosis is an infection of the digestive tract, caused by a group of bacteria called
• Salmonella bacteria are found in the gut of humans and many wild and domestic animals such as birds, mammals and reptiles.
• In Australia, most Salmonella infection occur after eating contaminated food or after contact with another infected person or animal.
• Some people can get very sick ill from Salmonellosis, especially young children and older people.
• If you have symptoms or suspect you may be carrying the infection, it’s important to stay at home from work, school or day care until at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.

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WHAT IS SHINGLES? 

• Shingles (also called Zoster) is a viral infection caused by the varicella zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. 
• You can only get shingles if you have had chickenpox in the past. 
• After you have had chickenpox, the varicella zoster virus stays in your nerve cells. The virus can remain dormant (inactive) for many years. 
• If the virus becomes active again, it generally presents as shingles.
• It is rare for a person to have more than one episode of shingles in their lifetime. 
• It is not possible to catch shingles from someone experiencing shingles, however the virus can cause chickenpox in people who are not immune to chickenpox when they come in direct contact with the skin rash of a person with shingles. 
• Unlike chickenpox, the shingles virus is not airborne and cannot be spread by coughing and sneezing.
• The virus can be spread by direct contact with the skin rash of infected people causing chickenpox in people who are not immune. 

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WHAT IS SYPHILIS?
• Syphilis is a highly infectious sexually transmissible infection (STI) caused by a bacteria called Treponema pallidum.
• The number of people with infectious syphilis has been increasing rapidly in Victoria.
• Of concern is the rising rates of syphilis cases in women of childbearing age. Syphilis can be transmitted from mother (or pregnant person) to baby during pregnancy. Syphilis during pregnancy can cause problems for your baby, like miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth and death after birth.
• Syphilis is curable but if left untreated can lead to serious health issues

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WHAT IS Q FEVER?

Q Fever is a disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. It is spread to humans from cattle, sheep and goats and a range of other domestic and wild animals. Even people who do not have contact with animals may be infected.

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