Infectious diseases
There are many infectious diseases that affect children and young people.
Information on the following infectious diseases is available on the NSW Health site:
- chicken pox and shingles
- diphtheria
- gastroenteritis
- influenza
- measles
- meningococcal
- mumps
- pertussis (whooping cough)
- poliomyelitis (polio)
- rubella (German measles)
- tetanus
Primary school students who do not have proof of immunisation may have to stay at home during an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease at school. Particular arrangements will be worked out by the local public health unit in consultation with the school.
Schools and parents should contact their local public health unit for advice regarding infectious diseases.
Principals must contact their public health unit to notify any of the following vaccine preventable diseases:
- diphtheria
- haemophilus influenzae type b infections
- measles
- meningococcal type C
- mumps
- pertussis (whooping cough)
- poliomyelitis (Polio)
- rubella (German measles)
- tetanus
Notifying cases of these vaccine preventable diseases to the public health unit by the school principal is a requirement of the NSW Public Health Act 2010
Related information
NSW Health where you will find summary information and detailed factsheets on infectious diseases.
NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service for translated factsheets.