Australian Bat Lyssavirus Alert (March 2011)

The Canberra region has recently experienced a increase in the number of bat bites and scratches due to large bat populations that have moved into the area (especially Commonwealth Park).

It is recommended that anyone who should be bitten or scratched by a bat receive rabies vaccine +/- rabies immunoglobulin to prevent Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABL) infection.

ABL is clocely related to Rabies and infection with ABL can cause death.

For a Fact Sheet on Rabies and Australian Bat Lyssavirus Infection

Cervical Cancer Vaccine

For information of the cervical cancer vaccine

The cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil is available at the UC Health Centre.

It is the world's first cancer prevention vaccine and was developed by research in Australia.

It is indicated for use in girls and women aged from 9 years to 26 years old (to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts), and males from 9 years to 15 years old (to prevent genital warts and anogenital cancers).

The vaccine protects against 70% of the Human Papilloma Virus strains that cause cervical cancer, and 90% of the strains causing genital warts.

The maximum exposure to the cancer causing viruses is thought to be the teenage years until the age of up to 30 years. So University students are in the highest risk group, and vaccination is strongly recommended for all women in this age group.

However women in other age groups, such as those commencing a new sexual relationship, need to discuss their individual circumstances with their doctor.

There are 3 injections at 0, 2, and 6 months.

The vaccine is government funded through a school-based program for 12 year old girls. For women, the vaccine is available through their GP, or the University of Canberra Health Centre for UC students.

It is recommended that all sexually active women continue to have routine 2 yearly pap smears.

A scientific paper is available at the Health Centre for anyone wishing to look into this further.

Pandemic Influenza

Influenza, most commonly known as the flu, is a very infectious respiratory illness caused by a virus.

• The symptoms are headaches, muscle aches (often backache), fever, weakness, and cough, maybe sore throat and runny nose
• The Influenza virus can cause serious illness, even death especially in people with chronic medical conditions, and in the very young and elderly
• People often think the common cold is the flu, but flu is much more serious

Influenza can occur in populations as a few cases, or many ( an epidemic) or a pandemic ( large numbers of people). An influenza pandemic occurs when a new strain of influenza virus emerges, spreading around the world and infecting many people at once. An influenza virus capable of causing a pandemic is one that people have no natural immunity to, can easily spread from person to person, and is capable of causing severe disease and many deaths. The following Australian government webpage contains information for the general public and health professionals on pandemic influenza.

Influenza can be prevented , or the symptoms mitigated by having an annual influenza vaccination. This is particularly important for certain groups of high-risk people such as those with chronic disease eg asthma and diabetes, indigenous people, pregnant women, the elderly, all health care workers, people living in Residences and travellers.

Avian Influenza

Avian influenza is an infectious viral infection which can affect all species of birds, wild and domesticated. It occasionally causes disease in humans who have been in close contact with ill birds. The Department of Health and Ageing of the Australian government continues to closely monitor the situation worldwide.

Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal Disease (meningitis) is an infection of the lining of the brain which can cause rapid death, or severe damage to the body even when treated early. It is not a common condition, but two population age groups are more susceptible, the very young and adolescents. There is now a national free immunisation campaign for both these groups, the 1 to 5 year olds and 14 to 19 year olds.

A vaccine is available to protect against the "C Strain" of this disease.

• The C strain is responsible for more than half the deaths from meningitis infection, but patients should be aware of the symptoms of meningitis (prostration, rash, fever, headache, drowsiness, irritability) as there is also a B strain, which is not covered by any vaccine. There is also a vaccine for travellers which has the A, W, and Y strains (this is not the vaccine to use within Australia).
•  Meningitis C vaccine is recommended for students and staff residing in residential colleges of the University and in any other group accommodation, for whom the risk of meningitis is higher.

Measles

Measles vaccine is recommended for all non-immune adults who lack a history of childhood illness or immunisation.  Measles is a highly infectious disease with potentially serious sequelae.

Recently there have been several cases of Measles in Sydney and in Queensland.  The Health Centre recommends that all adults who are not immune should seek advice regarding Measles vaccination  Two doses of a measles containing vaccine is required to provide immunity.  A blood test is available if you are unsure of your immune status.