illness and disease

When certain diseases and illnesses occur, government health authorities must be informed about the occurrence — these are known as ‘notifiable’ diseases. Many, but not all, notifiable diseases are infectious diseases (sometimes known as ‘communicable’ diseases). It is not your responsibility to notify government health authorities; it is the responsibility of the doctor or pathology service. In some states, certain other people, such as directors of childcare centres, must also report certain diseases. Depending on the particular condition, if you are diagnosed with a notifiable disease, you might be contacted by health authorities. Also, you might want — or need