DR Congo warns of ‘rapid’ community spread of Ebola
The World Health Organisation chief has announced a $US518 million six-month plan to fight Ebola, voicing optimism the outbreak can be contained.
communicable diseases
WHO chief urges safe burials in visit to DR Congo
The head of the World Health Organisation is visiting the centre of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo as Brazil probes a suspected case.
WHO chief says five Ebola cases have recovered
WHO boss Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says while there's no vaccine or treatment for Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus, it can be survived with medical care.
Ebola testing improving amid Congo violence: WHO chief
The World Health Organisation chief says Congo's Ebola outbreak had a head start but testing is improving, even as violence plagues the region.
WHO reports 906 suspected Ebola cases in DR Congo
The head of the World Health Organisation is travelling to the Democratic Republic of Congo to oversee efforts to battle an outbreak of Ebola.
WHO warns of high risk that Ebola ‘spreading rapidly’
The World Health Organisation is revising upward its assessment of the risk of Ebola within the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Congo reports more than 200 suspected Ebola deaths
More than 200 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo have died from Ebola, as authorities battle to control the outbreak, with nearly 900 cases reported.
Fast-moving Ebola outpacing response efforts: WHO chief
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says a delay in detecting Ebola cases means responders are "playing catch-up".
Uganda closes border with DR Congo to curb Ebola spread
Ugandan authorities have ordered the closure of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo as cases surge there of a rare type of Ebola.
Ebola case confirmed in rebel-held area of DR Congo
A rebel-held area of the Democratic Republic of Congo - hundreds of kilometres from an Ebola outbreak's epicentre - has recorded a fatal case of the disease.
Shot in arm for health clinics to combat virus outbreak
Funding to combat a diphtheria outbreak is being welcomed by health agencies but they say a shortage of medical staff in remote communities needs fixing.
Ebola was likely circulating in Congo for two months
Experts suspect an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo started a couple of months ago, with 139 deaths reported so far.
New Ebola outbreak confirmed in DR Congo, 80 deaths
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is convening an urgent meeting to reinforce preparedness following the latest outbreak of Ebola.
Ebola deaths in Congo rise to 131 as outbreak spreads
The World Health Organisation is voicing deep concern over the Ebola outbreak in central Africa, where authorities have recorded over two dozen more deaths.
‘Vaccine-fatigued’ Aussies vulnerable to big flu season
Doctors shell-shocked from 2025's record-breaking flu season are warning another significant round is on the way if vaccination rates stay low.
Predictive model to curb outbreaks of dangerous virus
A dengue fever alert system on trial in Vietnam will help protect locals from the virus as well as Australians heading to the popular tourist destination.
Second case of rare mpox strain discovered in traveller
Health authorities have confirmed the second case of a strain of mpox in Australia in a traveller who returned from overseas.
Palmer-supported vaccine injury case ‘incoherent’
A Clive Palmer-supported class action against the government over the approval of COVID-19 vaccines has hit a hurdle after a judge called it "unintelligible".
Measles, polio detected as authorities urge caution
Health authorities are urging people to monitor for measles symptoms after an infectious case was detected while polio was also found in wastewater.
Baby dies amid unprecedented whooping cough outbreak
A newborn baby is dead and infections are surging as health authorities scramble to contain a worsening national whooping cough epidemic.
Home tests for STIs to improve access but not diagnosis
Home tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea could be available within weeks but the jury is out on how effective they will be in reducing infection rates.
Deadly cough spreading like wildfire amid record cases
Australians are falling behind on whooping cough vaccinations as the nation faces its worst outbreak of the deadly bacterial disease.
Mpox cases in Australia surge past 1000
As the number of mpox cases in Australia climbs to the highest numbers yet, Victoria's chief health officer has warned that anyone can be affected.
Mpox cases on the rise amid global health emergency
Mpox cases are rising in Australia's eastern states, with certain groups of sexually-active men in particular urged to seek out free vaccines.
Australia facing unprecedented bird flu threat: CSIRO
Three different strains of bird flu are now circulating in Australia and scientists can not rule out more, with spill over from ducks and geese suspected.
‘Stop swimming after diarrhoea’ amid gastro spurt
Parents are being urged to isolate ill kids and keep them out of pools after more than 500 children aged under 10 were diagnosed with a diarrhoeal disease.
Monitor for symptoms as measles spreads to three states
Three states are on high alert for measles after three people with the highly infectious virus visited multiple locations over several days while infected.
Health chiefs racing to boost Queensland flu jab rates
Health chiefs will meet to consider ways to boost Queensland's lagging flu vaccinations but the minister suggests free jabs for all might not be the answer.
Measles alert after case visits airport and shops
A health alert has been issued in Queensland after a man unknowingly infected with measles visited multiple businesses after flying from Melbourne to Brisbane.
Measles alert after case detected at Melbourne Airport
A measles alert has been issued for Melbourne Airport after a returned overseas traveller passed through two terminals during the school holidays.
People examined after NSW horse dies of Hendra virus
NSW has recorded its first case of the Hendra horse virus in years and is trying to assess who came into contact with the animal before its death.