Communicable diseases intelligence quarterly report
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Commun Dis Intell Q Rep · Dec 2007
The epidemiology of pertussis in the Australian Capital Territory, 1999 to 2005--epidemics of testing, disease or false positives?
The increase in pertussis notifications since the 1990s in many countries, including Australia, has been attributed to improved diagnosis. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of pertussis in the Australian Capital Territory from 1999 to 2005, determine whether the apparent changes could be accounted for by greater recognition and testing, and explore the impact of false positive serology results associated with faulty test kits. The Australian Capital Territory resident notification, laboratory and separation data from 1999 to 2005 were examined and the proportions of positive tests across time periods and age groups compared. ⋯ Although the numbers were small, polymerase chain reaction and culture positive test results increased in 2003 but not in 2005. The proportion of positive polymerase chain reaction results increased in 2003, providing strong evidence that the apparent epidemic of 2003 was due to a true increase in underlying disease activity. Because of the uncertainty surrounding the timing of the false positive serology results, the study provides weaker support for a true epidemic of pertussis in 2005.
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Commun Dis Intell Q Rep · Dec 2007
Monitoring the incidence and causes of diseases potentially transmitted by food in Australia: annual report of the Ozfoodnet Network, 2006.
In 2006, OzFoodNet sites reported 24,598 notifications of seven diseases or conditions that are commonly transmitted by food, representing an increase of 2.5% over the mean of the previous 5 years. The most frequently notified aetiological agents were Campylobacter (15,492 notifications) and Salmonella (8,331 notifications). Salmonella notifications increased in 2006 by 5.2% when compared to historical reports. ⋯ Completeness of reporting for Salmonella was equivalent to 2005 and was essential to identifying and investigating outbreaks. This report demonstrates OzFoodNet's ability to detect and investigate the burden and causes of foodborne disease in Australia. OzFoodNet efforts assist agencies to develop food safety policy and prevent foodborne illness.
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Commun Dis Intell Q Rep · Sep 2007
How reliable are Australian Childhood Immunisation Register coverage estimates for indigenous children? An assessment of data quality and coverage.
Low levels of reporting indigenous status to the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) in the past have resulted in reduced confidence in vaccination coverage data for Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander children. This study shows that the reporting of indigenous status has improved from 42% of the estimated national cohort of Indigenous children aged 12 to 14 months in 2002 to 95% in 2005. ⋯ Data by state and territory or remoteness are also presented. ACIR vaccination coverage estimates for Indigenous children can now be used with confidence for program planning at the national and jurisdictional level.
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Commun Dis Intell Q Rep · Jun 2007
Pertussis epidemiology in Australia over the decade 1995-2005--trends by region and age group.
Important changes have occurred in the National Immunisation Program for pertussis during the decade 1995-2005, including the introduction of acellular pertussis vaccine for all doses, removal from the schedule of the booster dose at 18 months, and the introduction of a booster dose for adolescents. In addition, the coverage of pertussis vaccine at 12 and 24 months has substantially increased as recorded by Australian Bureau of Statistics surveys and the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register. ⋯ Adolescents aged 10-19 years had high notification rates in all states and territories, over this period, but 63% of notifications are now in the 20-59 year age range. Following the introduction of a fifth dose for adolescents, the current focus should be on protecting infants too young to be vaccinated and further defining the true morbidity of the disease in the elderly population.