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.
virus diseases
First vaccine approved for infectious respiratory virus
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has for the first time approved a vaccine against the highly contagious respiratory syncytial virus.
New COVID-19 variant drives festive season surge
COVID-19 infections have spiked in Australia's two most populous states, with a new variant and Christmas festivities driving higher hospitalisations.
Alert over summer spike in COVID, respiratory illnesses
An '"unusual" spike in respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 and influenza has prompted a pre-holiday warning from a state's chief health officer.
Festive warning as poll reveals lax COVID-19 attitudes
One in three Australians don't believe keeping up their COVID-19 boosters or measures to curb its spread are important amid an eighth wave, a survey shows.
Health system coughs up almost $50b fighting COVID
Close to $50 billion was spent on the COVID-19 response, as Australians are warned they still need to be vaccinated against the virus.
Low vaccination rates prompt jab ‘surge’ plea
There's a plea for Australia to roll out vaccine 'surges' as the take up rate for jabs against serious diseases is lagging among high-risk groups.
Howard Springs quarantine deaths to be examined
The deaths of three people, including two women from Indigenous communities, in Darwin's Howard Springs quarantine facility will be examined at an inquest.
Reversing ‘zombie’ brain fog after COVID-19 infection
There's new insight into so-called 'zombie' cells that can age the brains of COVID-19 patients, contributing to brain fog and memory loss.
Qld braces for COVID cases as infection wave lifts
Cases of COVID-19 are expected to surge in Queensland over the next fortnight but the chief health officer has vehemently ruled out imposing a mask mandate.
Cruise ship doctor declares dual virus outbreaks over
The operators of a cruise ship docked in Adelaide have declared onboard outbreaks of COVID-19 and gastroenteritis are over.
Ruby Princess liner negligent, misleading in COVID trip
Australians who embarked on a COVID-19-ravaged cruise in the early days of the pandemic have had a legal win, with operator Carnival declared negligent.
Government faces pressure to widen virus inquiry scope
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has accused the government of running a "protection racket" for Labor premiers by excluding state issues from a COVID-19 inquiry.
Lockdowns, border closures exempt in pandemic inquiry
Experts will look into Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but decisions taken by the states on lockdowns or border closures will be exempt.
COVID royal commission backer says things have changed
The Albanese government has been forced to defend its decision not to set up a royal commission but rather a three-expert inquiry into the pandemic.
PM set to announce COVID-19 inquiry: report
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese could be poised to announce the details of a special commission of inquiry into the handling of COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 cases rise again in northern hemisphere: WHO
The World Health Organisation says COVID-19 case numbers are on the rise in the northern hemisphere, with hospitalisations up in North America, Europe and Asia.
Queensland hospitals vaccine mandate to be scrapped
Consultation will begin to scrap a rule that disallowed unvaccinated health workers from working in Queensland hospitals during the pandemic.
Cruise passengers wave goodbye to COVID restrictions
Passengers will be able to cruise around the country unrestricted after state governments lifted the final COVID-19 mandates on cruise ships.
Palmer funded action against Telstra over COVID vaccine
Legal action against Telstra over its COVID-19 vaccination policy for employees has been discontinued, with documents showing it was funded by Clive Palmer.
Epidemiologist remembered as COVID-19 voice of reason
Leaders and colleagues are hailing Mary-Louise McLaws as a calm and reassuring voice during the pandemic after the renowned disease expert died at the weekend.
Thousands roll up sleeves for free flu vaccinations
Queenslanders are answering pleas from health officials to get vaccinated against the flu, especially the severe B strain that continues to take hold.
Data of some Victorians put at risk during pandemic
An investigation by the Victorian Information Commissioner has found there were multiple breaches of personal information during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NSW flu cases drop, concerns over school transmission
Flu cases across NSW have dropped by 14 per cent over the last week, with authorities warning of another surge in cases now kids are back in the classroom.
Advance in vaccine quest for highly infectious virus
A vaccine is a step closer for a virus that has the potential to cause the next pandemic after Queensland researchers learnt the structure of a key protein.
Workers return to cities but some still shunning office
Workers are gradually returning to Australia's biggest cities but some continue to shun the office to stay home, new data shows.
Tears of relief as deadly aged care case heads to trial
A magistrate has ruled a case against a Melbourne aged care home, where a COVID-19 outbreak led to 34 residents' deaths, should go to trial.
WHO says COVID-19 no longer a global health emergency
The World Health Organisation says COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency.
WHO declares end to COVID-19 global health emergency
The global coronavirus pandemic is no longer considered an international health emergency, the World Health Organisation says.
Children’s mental health harmed by COVID-19 pandemic
Long after the easing of restrictions the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have negative impacts on the mental health of Australia's children and adolescents.
Discovery in fight against inflammation in severe COVID
Researchers are nearer to a treatment for out-of-control inflammation due to COVID-19 following a Queensland-led study into the body's immune response.