In this report we highlight the major health outcomes and achievements related to Health Protection NSW’s activities in 2015.
In 2015 there was a state wide outbreak of pertussis, a severe winter influenza season, a significant increase in enteric notifications, and acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) were made notifiable. HIV rates remained stable, as did most STIs.
In 2015, further projects improving housing in Aboriginal communities and drinking water quality progressed, fluoridation commenced for the first time in some parts of the north coast of NSW, and planning proposals were assessed.
Staff working in health protection across the state were trained and exercised in various scenarios in preparedness for public health emergencies.
Activities were undertaken to continue improving the capacity of the health protection workforce.
NSW health protection network staff contributed to a number of publications.
For other health protection news:
More information
April 2014 - Measles, heat, bushfiresMay 2014 - Influenza, MERS, BBVJune 2014 - Year in review 1 - communicable diseaseJuly 2014 - Year in review 2 - environmental healthAugust 2014 - Ebola, STEC, traffic related air pollutionSeptember 2014 - Impact of lab testing rates, prison health, wood smokeDecember 2014 - School vaccination program, ebola, infections in child care, tobacco related hazardsMay 2015 - MERS, immunisation rates, changes in public healthSeptember 2015 - 2014 Year in reviewJuly 2016 - Refugee health, healthcare-associated infections, locally acquired hepatitis E, tuberculosis, antenatal pertussis vaccination program, health risk of asbestos, EHO career
