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EMERGENCY

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000). It’s a free call from any phone, mobile or phone box.

For other urgent medical issues, go to an Emergency Department.

Our Emergency Departments are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

The Communicable Diseases program undertakes disease surveillance and responds to reduce the spread of communicable diseases. Early detection and intervention are essential parts of the communicable disease program.

For more information, please contact the Public Health Officer at your nearest local Public Health Unit.

To speak to someone about communicable disease please contact:

NSW Public Health Unit Telephone Access Line:

During business hours, phone: 1300 066 055

After hours, phone: 0439 882 752

Office Locations:

Lismore

North Coast Public Health Unit – Lismore Office
PO Box 498 (31 Uralba Street)
Lismore NSW 2480

Port Macquarie

North Coast Public Health Unit – Port Macquarie Office
PO Box 126 (Morton Street)
Port Macquarie NSW 2444

For additional information click on relevant the links below:

Information on specific infectious diseases is available below:

 

Influenza

Influenza, or flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. There are three main types of influenza virus that cause infection in humans – types A, B and C – and many sub-types or strains. Influenza can occur throughout the year but influenza activity usually peaks in winter.

Influenza is a vaccine-preventable illness, but a new vaccine needs to be given each year because influenza viruses change (mutate) constantly. A new influenza vaccine is prepared each year to best match the strains predicted for the coming influenza season.

 

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Whooping cough (sometimes called pertussis) is a serious respiratory infection that causes a long coughing illness. In babies, the infection can sometimes lead to pneumonia and occasionally brain damage, and can be even life threatening. Older children and adults can get whooping cough and can spread it to others, including babies.

 

Measles

Measles is a serious disease that is easily spread through the air. Immunisation is effective in preventing the disease. All children and adults born during or after 1966 should be vaccinated with two doses of measles containing vaccine if not already immune.

 

Resources and further information