From plague to MERS: coordinating Australia's response to emerging infectious diseases

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Global travel facilitates rapid spread of infectious diseases.
• Emerging infectious disease threats require flexible and coordinated national responses.
• Australia's preparedness for communicable disease control is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline Australia's public health and clinical response to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus.
• To describe Australia's obligations under International Health Regulations for disease notification.
• To explain the World Health Organization's (WHO) process for declaring a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Main Methods:

• Review of Australia's existing communicable disease surveillance and response protocols.
• Examination of International Health Regulations reporting requirements.
• Description of WHO's emergency declaration procedures.

Main Results:

• Australia possesses adaptable and coordinated systems for communicable disease control.
• The nation is prepared to manage MERS-CoV cases and fulfill international notification duties.
• WHO's emergency declaration framework provides a structured approach to global health crises.

Conclusions:

• Australia's robust public health infrastructure is capable of managing novel infectious disease threats.
• Effective international cooperation and adherence to regulations are vital for global health security.
• Continuous review and improvement of response systems enhance national and international pandemic preparedness.