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Meningococcal infection is a severe but uncommon infection caused by a germ called Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus. There are several types of meningococcal bacteria that cause disease in humans. Most cases of meningococcal disease worldwide are caused by types A, B, C, W and Y. Vaccination against these types is available under the National Immunisation Program to give extra protection to people who are most at risk of meningococcal disease.Meningococcal infection can cause meningitis (infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord). The germ can also infect the blood, joints, eyes, lungs and skin. Symptoms in infants and young children include fever, refusing feeds, fretfulness, vomiting, a rash of reddish- purple spots or bruises, a high-pitched or moaning cry, and pale or blotchy skin. The child may be difficult to wake up.Meningococcal blood infections (septicaemia) can cause shock and death within hours ofsymptoms starting. In Australia, 5–10% of people infected with meningococcus die, even if they are treated promptly. Meningococcal disease can affect anyone; however, those at higher risk include infants, small children, adolescents and young adults.
Complementary medicine describes a wide range of healthcare medicines and therapies. Many Australians use complementary medicine for specific health conditions or health benefits. To help Australians to make informed decisions about their health care, we support research into complementary medicine.
Access to safe and nutritious food is key to sustaining life and promoting good health. Unsafe food – containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances – can cause more than 200 different diseases, ranging from diarrhoea to cancers.
Australia is home to many viruses – called ‘arboviruses’ – that can, or could, infect humans. Some arboviruses cause seasonal illness, others cause epidemics and some can even cause death. During the second half of the 20th century, NHMRC-funded researchers at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (now QIMR Berghofer) made major contributions to our understanding of arboviruses, enabling clinicians to quickly identify infections in patients and public health authorities to better manage the threats that the viruses pose to health. Research on diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites continues at QIMR Berghofer.
'This isn’t just about good intentions, it’s a chance to change how we do things together. Because if we want research that changes lives, it has to be grounded in real life and lived experience.'