Fowl play: Bird flu and whooping cough update?

In this episode of the Good GP, Dr Julia Rawlinson speaks with Dr Paul Effler, Senior Medical Advisor at the WA Department of Health and expert in communicable diseases, about H5N1 avian influenza and pertussis.

They review the current status of H5N1 in Australia, where the virus has been detected in wild birds but no human cases have been reported. Dr Effler highlights the very low risk of transmission to the general public, based on international experience, and outlines which groups may be at relatively higher risk. He provides practical advice for GPs on risk assessment, testing, and when to involve public health units, as well as the importance of not causing unnecessary alarm.

They also addressed the recent increase in pertussis cases in Western Australia. Dr Effler discusses the contribution of natural epidemic cycles and the importance of improving pertussis vaccination rates, especially for pregnant women, to protect infants.

Links & Resources:

• Australian Centre for Disease Control - https://www.cdc.gov.au/diseases/bird-flu-avian-influenza
• Light for Riley Foundation - https://www.ifa.org.au/lightforriley
• Sharing Knowledge about immunisation - https://skai.org.au/healthcare-professionals/talking-parents-who-have-questions
• Melbourne Vaccine education centre - https://mvec.mcri.edu.au/references/vaccine-confidence/

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