Satisfactory immune response following anaphylaxis to PCECV facilitated by the use of steroids and antihistamines.

Introduction: Rabies is fatal and can cause almost certain mortality in animals and humans. Effective post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) using the rabies vaccine remains the cornerstone for preventing disease in humans. We present the first reported case of supporting the live purified-chick-embryo-cell rabies vaccine(PCECV) administration with prophylactic high-dose corticosteroids.

Modified measles with an atypical presentation.

We report symptomatic confirmed modified measles infection in a person with one documented MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination and travel to Indonesia. No secondary cases were identified, consistent with other case reports of modified measles infection. The infectivity of modified measles for contact tracing requirements requires further elucidation.

Mass prophylaxis in an outbreak of invasive group A streptococcal disease in a residential aged care facility.

In September 2016, an invasive group A streptococcal disease outbreak occurred among residents of a residential aged care facility. An expert advisory group recommended mass prophylaxis for residents and staff in addition to strict infection control practices to prevent further spread. Whole genome sequencing confirmed the cases were related.

An outbreak of Q fever associated with parturient cat exposure at an animal refuge and veterinary clinic in southeast Queensland.

Objective: To determine the source of a Q fever outbreak in humans at an animal refuge and veterinary clinic in southeast Queensland from October to December 2016.

Methods: Case interviews and a retrospective cohort study of animal refuge and veterinary clinic staff using a self-administered questionnaire related to clinical history of Q fever, Q fever vaccination status and workplace activities during the exposure period.

Results: Seven cases (six confirmed, one probable) were identified.

Mild Illness during Outbreak of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O157 Infections Associated with Agricultural Show, Australia.

During a large outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli illness associated with an agricultural show in Australia, we used whole-genome sequencing to detect an IS1203v insertion in the Shiga toxin 2c subunit A gene of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. Our study showed that clinical illness was mild, and hemolytic uremic syndrome was not detected.

Observations on managing an outbreak of influenza A infection in an aged care facility.

Influenza outbreaks in aged care facilities (ACFs) can be associated with high morbidity and mortality. National guidance includes the use of antiviral medication for residents and staff and other measures to prevent serious health outcomes. An outbreak of influenza in an ACF was reported to the Brisbane Southside Population Health Unit (BSPHU) on 10 August 2007.

"The dust hasn't settled yet": the National Q fever Management Program, missed opportunities for vaccination and community exposures.

Aims: To determine the proportion of notifiable cases of Q fever attributable to occupational and community exposures and to identify missed opportunities for Q fever vaccination in notifications of occupational exposures.

Methods: A review of Q fever notifications to the BSPHU from January 2000 to September 2006 was undertaken. Notifications were categorised according to probable exposure source.

Bordetella pertussis PCR positivity, following onset of illness in children under 5 years of age.

Bordetella pertussis is a significant cause of respiratory illness and an ongoing public health problem. Pertussis polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing has been widely utilised since 2001, especially in infants. Uncertainty exists as to how long PCR remains positive following symptom onset.

Early management of meningococcal disease--do attitudes of GPs influence practice?

Background: Survival from early meningococcal disease might be improved if general practitioners followed guidelines by immediately administering parenteral antibiotics (before hospital referral).

Methods: Structured telephone interviews with 20 GPs who had previously treated meningococcal cases.

Results: General practitioners knew guideline recommendations for early management of meningococcal disease: early parenteral antibiotics would be given by about half the GPs entertaining a diagnosis of meningococcal infection.