Notifying disease and outbreaks

Notifying diseases

The full list of notifiable infectious diseases in WA can be found on the WA Department of Health (external site) website. The statutory requirement to notify communicable diseases and related conditions is specified in the Public Health Act 2016 (external site) (Part 9) and the Public Health Regulations 2017.

Most notifiable conditions can be notified by health providers using the Online infectious and related disease notification form (external site). Diseases with a telephone icon require a call to Boorloo PHU, even if the case is only suspected, due to the urgency of the public health follow-up required. See Notification of infectious diseases and related conditions (external site) for further information.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acute rheumatic fever have specific forms (HIV Infection Notification Form (PDF) and Acute Rheumatic fever notification form (PDF)) that should be used to notify these conditions.

Multi-resistant organisms (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, carbapenemase-producing organisms, vancomycin-resistant enterococcus) are notified by laboratories and do not require notification by doctors and nurses.

Other enquiries regarding notifiable infectious diseases and related conditions in the Perth area can be directed to Boorloo PHU as needed.

Notifying outbreaks of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV

Outbreaks of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in residential aged care facilities in metropolitan Perth should be notified by facility staff using the Initial Assessment Form for Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) (external site). This includes COVID-19 and influenza outbreaks, for which five daily reporting will be commenced. Reporting outbreaks of RSV is also encouraged; ongoing reporting is not required for these.

An outbreak is defined as two or more residents testing positive for COVID-19, influenza (not including parainfluenza) or RSV within a 72-hour period.

Outbreaks involving other organisms, or occurring in other settings (eg: congregate living facilities, prisons) are not required to be notified to Boorloo PHU. However, staff are welcome to contact Boorloo PHU for support and advice.

Notifying outbreaks of gastroenteritis

Outbreaks of gastroenteritis in residential aged care facilities, schools and childcare centres should be notified by facility staff using the Boorloo PHU Gastroenteritis Outbreak Reporting Form.

Outbreaks of gastroenteritis in other settings (eg: congregate living facilities, hospitals) are not required to be notified to Boorloo PHU. However, staff are welcome to contact Boorloo PHU for support and advice.