What communicable disease is
A communicable disease is an illness that spreads from one organism to another, such as between people or between people and animals (zoonotic diseases).
Different communicable diseases spread in different ways, such as through:
- food or water
- contact with contaminated surfaces
- contact between people, including sexual and close intimate contact
- blood or other body fluids
- insect bites
- the air.
Immunisation prevents many communicable diseases or reduces their severity.
Learn more about:
Why addressing communicable diseases is important
Communicable diseases are a significant health issue in Australia and around the world, because they can spread and cause severe illness, hospitalisation and death.
They put a strain on our health system, and have major impacts on businesses and our economy through reduced productivity.
Some are becoming resistant to antimicrobial medicines such as antibiotics.
We issue health alerts to warn about disease outbreaks of concern within Australia.
We work to reduce the spread of communicable diseases and their impact on Australian society.
See more on what we’re doing about communicable diseases.
Diseases of concern in Australia
Some communicable diseases are of concern because of their potential to spread and cause serious illness.
Most people will have several communicable diseases in their lifetime, such as the common cold or a stomach bug. These are usually mild and only last for a few days.
But some diseases can cause serious illness or death.
We need to monitor some diseases. This is called communicable diseases surveillance.
Travelling safely
Some diseases – like Ebola virus disease and Yellow fever – are not found in Australia, but can be brought back from overseas when people travel.
Smartraveller is an Australian Government website that provides information for travellers. It covers infectious diseases you could be exposed to when you travel.
The Australian Government screens for some communicable diseases before people obtain a visa to enter Australia. You may need to have a test for some diseases or show proof of vaccination.
Learn more about health requirements on entering the country.
Nationally notifiable diseases
Nationally notifiable diseases are diseases that can spread and cause significant harm to human health.
Health authorities in each state and territory report cases to the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC), which monitors and reports on these diseases.
Read more about nationally notifiable diseases.