Virus WAtch Week Ending 8 March 2015 Influenza and Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI) Summary: Influenza and non-influenza respiratory virus activity remain low and at inter-seasonal levels. ILI presentations to sentinel emergency departments (EDs) have increased over the past fortnight, but remain low overall. ILI presentations to sentinel general practitioners (GPs) remain low. Routine and sentinel detections of influenza virus remain low, with influenza A/H3N2 constituting the majority of subtyped viruses; influenza A/H1N1 and influenza B continue to co-circulate. There were modest […]

The Commission has collaborated with the Australian Dental Association and dental practitioners across the country to develop the draft NSQHS Standards Guide for Dental Practices and Services. The guide aims to assist dental practices and services to use the NSQHS Standards as a framework to improve the safety and quality of care. It provides information on preparing for accreditation, practical strategies to implement the Standards, and clinical scenarios highlighting how the Standards can be applied in dental settings. Whether receiving […]

Virus WAtch Week Ending 1 March 2015 Influenza and Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI) Summary: Influenza and non-influenza respiratory virus activity remain low and at inter-seasonal levels. ILI presentations to sentinel general practitioners (GPs) and emergency departments (EDs) have increased over the past fortnight, but remain low overall. Routine and sentinel detections of influenza virus remain low, with influenza A/H3N2 constituting the majority of subtyped viruses; influenza A/H1N1 and influenza B continue to co-circulate. Detections of non-influenza respiratory viruses remain low. Gastroenteritis […]

The following media release has been published on the TGA Internet site https://www.tga.gov.au/media-release/2015-seasonal-influenza-vaccines The 2015 National Seasonal Influenza Immunisation Program(link is external) will start on 20 April 2015, instead of the usual start date of 15 March. The 2015 Program start date has been put back due to the double strain change from the 2014 influenza vaccine which has led to manufacturing delays.

McDonald’s Corporation has announced its vision for antimicrobial stewardship “Preserving antimicrobial effectiveness in the future through ethical practices today”. Antimicrobial Stewardship Vision

Virus WAtch Week Ending 22 February 2015 Influenza and Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI) Summary: Influenza and non-influenza respiratory virus activity remain low and at inter-seasonal levels. ILI presentations to sentinel general practitioners (GPs) remain low this week. ILI presentations to sentinel emergency departments (EDs) increased this week. Routine and sentinel detections of influenza virus remain low, with influenza A/H3N2 constituting the majority of subtyped viruses; influenza A/H1N1 and influenza B continue to co-circulate. Detections of non-influenza respiratory viruses remain low. Gastroenteritis […]

The latest MMWR outlines investigations into probable transmission of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) during surgical procedures in the US in 2010 and 2011 http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6407a1.htm?s_cid=mm6407a1_e  

Virus WAtch Week Ending 15 February 2015 Influenza and Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI) Summary: Influenza and non-influenza respiratory virus activity remain low and at inter-seasonal levels. ILI presentations to sentinel general practitioners (GPs) and emergency departments (EDs) remain low this week. Routine and sentinel detections of influenza virus remain low, with influenza A/H3N2 constituting the majority of subtyped viruses; influenza A/H1N1 and influenza B continue to co-circulate. Detections of non-influenza respiratory viruses remain steady and low, with a slight increase in […]

A new study from the University of Manchester has revealed that the incidence of dermatitis has increased 4.5 times in healthcare workers following increased hand hygiene as a drive to reduce infections such as MRSA. Researchers from the university’s Institute of Population Health studied reports voluntarily submitted by dermatologists to a national database which is run by the university, between 1996 and 2012. Sixty percent of eligible UK dermatologists used this database which is designed to report skin problems caused or aggravated […]

As of midday on Tuesday 17th of February nine (9) cases of Hepatitis A have been diagnosed in three states of Australia – Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. These nine (9) cases have been linked to the consumption of 1kg packets of Nanna’s Frozen Mixed Berries. This product has been recalled. General practices are advised to be alert for patients who develop symptoms of Hepatitis A and to enquire as to any exposure to frozen berries of the implicated […]