South Australia | Memorial service for volunteer firefighters
Mount Lofty | 16 Feb 2012
Both past and present volunteer firefighters will take part in a memorial service today to mark the anniversary of the catastrophic 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires and to reflect on those who lost their lives in the aftermath.
CFS Regional Commander Chris Martin has extended an invitation for others to join the service which will take place at the Mount Lofty Tower.
“The service will be held this afternoon to coincide with the same time that a fire swept through the summit 29 years ago and resulted in the deaths of 12 volunteer firefighters,” Mr Martin said.
“Although this service has a specific focus, the wider ramifications of Ash Wednesday will not be lost with the bushfires that swept through many areas of south-eastern Australia that saw an estimated 130,000 firefighters involved in battling them across three states,” he said.
The memorial service will be hosted by the Mount Lofty Tower Brigade on behalf of the CFS.
“I’m hoping that among those who will join us will be people who may have been too young to remember Ash Wednesday or were born after the event,” he said. “Perhaps they will help to preserve the historical significance of this event for the benefit of future generations.”
The service will begin at 4pm and conducted by the Reverend Matt Curnow from the Uniting Church at Summertown.
South Australia | Another measles case in Adelaide metropolitan area
Adelaide | 9 Feb 2012
The Communicable Disease Control Branch (CDCB) has been notified of a case of measles in a woman from metropolitan Adelaide. The infection was acquired following exposure in Adelaide to a previous local case (Public Health Alert of 24 January 2012). Please be aware that further secondary cases may begin to present from now onwards.
People visiting the following sites at the times below potentially may have been exposed to measles virus:
- Tuesday 31 January West Lakes Shopping Centre, 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.
- Wednesday 1 February Cyprus Community Club, 8 Barpowell Road, Welland, 10.00 am to 3.00 pm.
- Thursday 2 February Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide, Mile End, 9.30am to 12.00 pm.
- Thursday 2 February Thebarton Neighbourhood House 10 Falcon Avenue, Mile End,10.00 am to 4.00 pm.
- Thursday 2 February AMF Woodville Bowls 12.00 pm to 3.30 pm.
- Friday 3 February Cheltenham Community Centre, 62 Stroud Street North, Cheltenham 9.30 am to 5.00 pm.
- Friday 3 February on the 10.40 am train from Cheltenham to the City.
- Friday 3 February Jasper’s Coffee shop, Adelaide 11.00 am to 2.00 pm.
- Friday 3 February on the 12.07 pm train from the City to Cheltenham.
Incubation period and symptoms
Measles is highly contagious viral infection transmitted via respiratory aerosols which remain a risk to others for up to two hours after the infectious person has left the area. The incubation period is about 10 days (range 7 to 18 days) to the onset of prodromal symptoms and about 14 days to the appearance of the rash. The illness is characterised by cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, a descending morbilliform rash, and fever present at the time of rash onset. The infectious period is from five days before the appearance of the rash to four days after the appearance of the rash.
Suspected cases
For all suspected cases of measles:
- Arrange urgent laboratory testing through SA Pathology, including measles IgM and IgG (specify both) (clotted serum tube, white top), a throat or conjunctival swab in viral transport medium, and urine in yellow top container if possible.
- Isolate suspected and confirmed measles cases and exclude from childcare/ school/ workplace until at least four days after the appearance of the rash.
- Ensure that all household contacts are protected against measles as indicated in the Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edn pp 209 to 211.
- Doctors are asked to urgently notify any patient suspected to have measles to the CDCB on 1300 232 272 (24 hours, 7 days). Do not wait for laboratory confirmation.
Minimise transmission in the surgery
- Examine patients suspected of having measles in their own homes whenever possible
- For suspected cases, avoid using the waiting room and conduct consultation in a room that can be left vacant for at least two hours afterwards
- Treat all people who attend the rooms within two hours of the (confirmed) infectious patient as contacts
- Maintain surveillance for more cases in your practice
- Review the vaccination status of all persons during or after 1966 who attend your practice for any reason, and offer MMR vaccination to all susceptible people (those who have no vaccination or only 1 dose.)
South Australia | Total fire ban for Northwest Pastoral district
SA | 3 Feb 2012
Media and the public are advised that TOTAL FIRE BANS have been declared for Saturday, 4 February 2012 in the following Fire Ban Districts: Northwest Pastoral – SEVERE
Where Total Fire Bans have been declared, very hazardous fire weather conditions are predicted.
The Total Fire Ban will apply for 24 hours from midnight tonight to midnight tomorrow.
The CFS recommends that you implement your Bushfire Survival Plan.
FIRE DANGER RATINGS
Where fire ban districts have a forecast fire danger rating of Severe, well prepared and actively defended houses can offer safety during a fire.
If you don’t have a plan to ensure your survival, leaving early before a fire starts is your safest option.
Landowners are asked to adhere to local harvest codes of practice which are available from your local council.
Landowners are also asked to ensure that any burn-off activities conducted today are fully extinguished before midnight tonight.
Agencies are advised to activate their Total Fire Ban procedures in preparation for these predicted fire weather conditions.
For further information contact the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1300 362 361 or visit www.cfs.sa.gov.au
South Australia | Rural meningococcal case
SA | 30 Jan 2012
A 42-year-old male from rural South Australia has been admitted to hospital with invasive meningococcal disease and is in a satisfactory condition.
SA Health has identified multiple contacts. Of these, one person has been directed to receive antibiotic chemoprophylaxis.
Meningococcal health information has been distributed to all contacts in accordance with the Guidelines for the Early Clinical and Public Health Management for Meningococcal Disease in Australia.
This is the first case of invasive meningococcal disease reported in South Australia during 2012, compared to two cases recorded at the same time last year.
A total of 21 cases were reported in 2011.
South Australia | Public health alert – Measles case in Adelaide
Adelaide | 24 Jan 2012
SA Health has issued a public health alert about the highly infectious measles virus following a confirmed case in South Australia this week.
SA Health’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr Stephen Christley said the 23-year-old male from metropolitan Adelaide most likely acquired the virus while overseas.
“Measles is highly contagious among people who are not fully immunised, and is spread through coughing and sneezing,” Dr Christley said.
“The illness begins with fever, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes, followed by a rash which begins on the head and then spreads down the body. Complications of measles can be severe.”
During the infectious period, the man visited the following sites:
- Hyde Park Tavern, 187 King William Road, Hyde Park, on Saturday 14 January from 5 to 8pm
- Euro Explorations Services, 63 King William Street, Kent Town, on Monday 15 and Tuesday the 16 January from 9am to 7pm
- Hughes Clinic, 160 Unley Road, Unley, on Tuesday 17 January from 4:30 to 7:30pm
- Haddad Pharmacy, 160 Unley Road, Unley, on Tuesday 17 January from 5 to 7:30pm
- Foot and Ankle Centre, 22 Walter Street, North Adelaide on Thursday 19 January from 11:30am to 2:30pm
- Jones and Partners Radiology on Level 1, St Andrews Hospital on Thursday 19 January from 1 to 4:30pm
- Hughes Clinic, 160 Unley Road, Unley on Thursday 19 January from 4:30 to 7:30pm
- Hughes Clinic, 160 Unley Road, Unley on Saturday 21 January from 10am to 12:30pm
- Haddad Pharmacy, 160 Unley Road, Unley on Saturday 21 January from 10:30am to 1pm
- Royal Adelaide Hospital Emergency Department on Sunday 22 January from 5 to 7pm
“We are advising anyone who was in these locations during these times to be alert for symptoms over the two weeks after that potential exposure and if they are ill to see a doctor,” Dr Christley said.
“It is very important that people phone their GP ahead of any visit and mention why they are attending, so that precautions can be taken to avoid spreading disease to others.”
An alert has been issued to General Practitioners advising them of this case.
SA Health has contacted the businesses the man visited during the infectious period.
Immunisation provides the best protection against measles. Two doses of measles containing vaccine are strongly recommended for all persons born after 1965.
People in this age group are encouraged to check their vaccination records, and request the vaccine if there is no record of two doses of measles vaccine.
This is the first case of measles reported in South Australia during 2012. Four cases were reported in 2011.
A fact sheet about measles can be found on SA Health’s website www.sahealth.sa.gov.au
South Australia | Total fire bans declared for 16 Jan in Northwest Pastoral and West Coast districts
South Australia | 15 Jan 2012
Media and the public are advised that TOTAL FIRE BANS have been declared for Monday, 16 January 2012 in the following Fire Ban Districts:
Northwest Pastoral – SEVERE
West Coast – SEVERE
Where Total Fire Bans have been declared, very hazardous fire weather conditions are predicted.
The Total Fire Ban will apply for 24 hours from midnight tonight to midnight tomorrow.
The CFS recommends that you implement your Bushfire Survival Plan.
FIRE DANGER RATINGS
Where fire ban districts have a forecast fire danger rating of Severe, well prepared and actively defended houses can offer safety during a fire.
If you don’t have a plan to ensure your survival, leaving early before a fire starts is your safest option.
Landowners are asked to adhere to local harvest codes of practice which are available from your local council.
Landowners are also asked to ensure that any burn-off activities conducted today are fully extinguished before midnight tonight.
Agencies are advised to activate their Total Fire Ban procedures in preparation for these predicted fire weather conditions.
For further information contact the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1300 362 361 or visit www.cfs.sa.gov.au
South Australia | Join the consultation on Suicide Prevention Strategy
Adelaide | 12 Jan 2012
South Australians are being invited to share their views on a new draft Suicide Prevention Strategy.
The State Government and SA Health have developed a collaborative strategy encompassing different departments, officials, experts, consumers, carers, charities and other NGOs to raise awareness of prevention services.
The strategy will also outline common risk factors for suicide and focus on training and research as well as the evaluation of existing programs.
Derek Wright, Executive Director of Mental Health & Substance Abuse said, “Suicide is heartbreaking and complex, not only for families and friends, but for communities too.
“We are developing a Suicide Prevention Strategy that will involve communities in creating awareness of risk factors and taking steps for prevention and intervention.
“Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility. This strategy will make sure that South Australians are aware of the help that’s available and where they can go to get it.
“It also recognises the most vulnerable members of our society and makes plans to ensure that we are responsive to them.”
The risk factors for suicide are varied and many are outside of the control of the health sector, which is why the strategy also relies on NGO and community groups that provide services to vulnerable groups.
The strategy also seeks to improve understanding of suicide through research and evaluation of other prevention programs, and to provide quality training to suicide prevention services.
“In the past two decades, the rate of suicide in South Australia has shown an overall downward trend, and this strategy is a way to continue that trend by strengthening our services and community and assisting those who may feel troubled and lonely.”
Mr. Wright reminded South Australians to maintain contact with family and friends who may be lonely or depressed or have a mental illness.
Support and information services are available through Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) and Lifeline (131 114) and the 24-hour Emergency & Crisis Intervention Line (131 465).
The draft of the South Australian Suicide Prevention Strategy is available online at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au and is open for public consultation until the end of February.
South Australia | Beware of mozzies this summer
Adelaide | SA Health is reminding people to protect themselves and their families against mosquito-borne infections this summer.
SA Health’s Director of Health Protection, Dr Chris Lease, said people tend to spend more time outside during summer months and may be exposed to more mosquitoes.
“While the number of mosquito-borne infections is currently low, it’s still important that people protect themselves from getting bitten and potentially getting a mosquito-borne infection,” Dr Lease said.
“There are a number of simple things that people can do to protect themselves and their families from mozzies by remembering to cover up, repel and eliminate.
“This includes covering up and wearing long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing, using an insect repellent containing either DEET or Picaridin, and eliminating places around the home where water may have collected and mosquitoes may be breeding.
“People should also take particular care when going outside when mosquitoes are most active and use insect screens on home, caravan or tent doors and windows.”
Recent testing has shown there are a number of mosquito borne infections currently circulating that potentially can cause illness, including Kunjin virus as well as the more common Ross River Virus (RRv) and Barmah Forest Virus (BFv).
Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) has also recently been detected in birds in NSW and WA, but not in SA. However, Kunjin virus has been detected in some sentinel birds in SA’s far north this year.
These diseases are spread via mosquito bites and are not transmitted from person to person or directly from birds. However, as these viruses are often carried by water birds, there is a risk that these diseases are potentially present wherever these birds and mosquitoes are.
There have been no reported cases of Kunjin infection in humans in SA for more than 20 years. There have been two cases of MVE in SA in the past eight years.
The symptoms caused by mosquito borne disease may vary in severity from person to person and can include joint pain, rash, fever, headache, fatigue or muscle pain. In extreme cases, encephalitis can occur.
While most people will recover completely in a few weeks, some can have quite severe symptoms for many months and for a very small number of people, MVE or Kunjin virus can be serious. Anyone suffering from symptoms should contact their doctor for advice.
Information on how to Fight the Bite! and protect against mosquito bites and infections is available at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au or from your local council.
South Australia | Sprouts recall
Adelaide | SA Sprouts is undertaking a voluntary recall of all sprout varieties produced or packed at their Mile End facility after samples identified the presence of Escherichia coli (E.coli).
Steve Morris, SA Health’s Acting Executive Director, Public Health and Clinical Systems, said they were not aware of anyone becoming ill after eating the sprouts.
“However, as a precaution, anyone who has bought sprouts produced or packaged by SA Sprouts should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or throw them away,” Mr Morris said. “SA Sprouts is co-operating fully with SA Health and is voluntarily removing their products from retailer’s shelves.”
The sprouts are sold in supermarkets and fresh fruit and vegetable stores across South Australia.
The recall includes sprout varieties available in:
- SA Sprout’s Alfalfa & Alfalfa mixes with other sprout varieties in 125g and 200g packs
- SA Sprout’s Snow Pea Sprouts in 125g packs
- SA Sprout’s Mung Bean Sprouts in 125g packs
- SA Spout’s Salad Mix in 175g packs
- Natural Sprout’s Trio Pack Sprouts 125g packs.
E.coli is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines and faeces of people and many animals. Most E.coli found in the gut are harmless but some may produce toxins that can cause illness. Symptoms may include diarrhoea or bloody diarrhoea or abdominal cramps.
Anyone who is concerned should contact their GP or healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 2226
South Australia | Stay cool and keep hydrated this New Years
Adelaide | South Australians are being reminded to keep cool and hydrated during the expected hot weather over the New Years long weekend.
South Australian State Emergency Service, Deputy Chief Officer, Matt Maywald said it is important that people protect themselves against the sun to avoid dehydration or heat related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion.
“There are a number of precautions people can take to make sure they stay safe,” said Mr Maywald.
“This includes drinking plenty of water, dressing lightly, staying indoors where possible and making use of air-conditioning or fans.
“If possible, you should avoid going outside during the hottest parts of the day (between 11am – 3pm), keep out of the sun and try to spend some time in the shade.
“If you do need to go into the sun, try and do so for limited periods and wear a long sleeved, light coloured shirt, a hat, sun glasses and plenty of sunscreen to avoid getting burnt.
‘It is especially important that the elderly people, babies and children and people who are unwell are protected from the sun, as they are most at risk from the heat.”
SA Ambulance Service A/General Manager of Metropolitan Patient Services, Paul Lemmer reiterated the importance of staying hydrated.
“New Years is a time for celebration but people need to remember that alcoholic or caffeinated drinks increase dehydration, so they need to balance this with plenty of water,” Mr Lemmer said.
“People with ongoing health conditions should also continue to take their medication, stay in touch with family or friends and seek medical help if they start to feel unwell.
“Remember to check up on your elderly or frail relatives and neighbors this weekend to make sure they are ok in the heat and drinking plenty of fluids.
“There are a number of symptoms of heat exhaustion that people should look out for including nausea, faintness and dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness, headaches, vomiting, loss of sweating and reduced urine output.
“Anyone experiencing these symptoms that require urgent medical attention in an emergency situation, should call 000.
“Otherwise, people should seek medical attention by contacting their local GP or telephone Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222.”
Other tips to beat the heat include:
- Make use of air conditioned public facilities such as shopping centres, cinemas and libraries.
- Keep homes cool by closing blinds and curtains during the day and making good use of fans or air conditioners (which are on the cool setting).
- Be aware of the symptoms of heat stress and if they develop take cool baths or showers and use cool packs or wet towels to cool down.
- Remember that cordless landline telephones do not work during power outages. Make sure you have alternative means of communication.
- Consider the safety of your pets and animals by making sure they have adequate shade and water.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in the car.
For more information about staying healthy in the heat, check out the SES web site www.ses.sa.gov.au or the Extreme Heat guide and heat fact sheets at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au