For up to date health alerts see the GovernmentsHealth Alerts website.

 

Previous Alerts

Date

Alert

10/10/2011 Pigeon virus 'poses no risk to people'
The discovery of a rare but highly contagious virus which has killed pigeon flocks in Victoria does not pose a major risk to humans, experts say. Several pigeons have died and a number of properties in northern Victoria have been quarantined amid Australia's first outbreak of avian paramyxovirus (APMV) in pigeons.
While people who handle infected birds and those with suppressed immune systems face the greatest risk of contracting APMV, it usually causes only mild flu-like symptoms or conjunctivitis.
Influenza Specialist Group chairman Alan Hampson said APMV was unlike avian influenza virus, or bird flu, which can prove fatal in humans and birds. "(APMV) are in a completely different group of viruses altogether," Dr Hampson told AAP. "It rarely transmits to humans, and when it does only cause mild illness ... possibly a bit of conjunctivitis."But it's very rare to be a human infection and rare to be anything but trivial. "So it's in a different ballpark from avian flu."

7/7/ 2011

 

 

 

 

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Potential cases of Listeriosis
A brand of chocolate trifle sold through some Coles supermarkets has been found to contain Listeria bacteria in one batch. A media alert has been issued warning Victorians not to consume the Coles Chocolate Trifle if there is any remaining in their homes. They have also been advised to seek medical attention if they believe they have consumed this product and develop mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. GPs are being asked to consider a diagnosis of Listeriosis in patients who may have consumed this product. Please refer to the Department of Health.

 

1/7/2011 outbreak of E. coli O104 in Germany - 1 July 2011
21/4/2011 Measles Alert for GPs and Emergency Departments - 21 April 2011
18/4/2011 Pneumovax23 vaccine second dose suspended - 18 April 2011

27/1/2011

Measles Alert for GPs and Emergency Departments- 27 Jan 2011

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