The Victorian Government’s Chief Health Officer undertakes a variety of statutory functions under the Health and Food Acts, and is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to promote and protect public health; provide advice to the Minister and the Secretary on matters relating to public health and wellbeing; and to publish on a biennial basis a comprehensive report on public health and wellbeing in Victoria.
The Chief Health Officer also acts as the Government’s media spokesperson on matters relating to the control of disease and promotion of health as required eg. communicable diseases, land/air/water contamination, radiation, food safety, ethics and public health emergencies.
The Chief Health Officer regularly advises Victorians on issues with the potential to impact their health and safety. A Health Alert advises the Victorian community of an issue that requires immediate action or that poses an immediate threat to public health. For example, a medication recall posing a health risk or an outbreak of a communicable disease. A Health Advisory provides advice about an issue which is occurring in another jurisdiction but is of interest to the Victorian public.An information update may also be provided on any of the issues raised in an alert or advisory where the risk may have subsided but additional information is available.
Following the recent retirement of Dr John Carnie, Dr Rosemary Lester is Acting Chief Health Officer.
Dr Rosemary Lester
Acting Chief Health Officer
50 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne 3000
Victoria, Australia
A fact sheet on low pathogenic Avian Influenza has been developed to provide information on the difference between high and low pathogenic Avian Influenza and general prevention measures.
Two commonly used types of salad sprouts have tested positive to high levels of bacteria E. coli in Victoria.
Extreme caution is advised when picking and consuming wild mushrooms following the deaths of two people who consumed Death Cap mushrooms.
Residents and visitors along the Murray River in northern Victoria are being warned to protect themselves against mosquitoes following the detection of Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVE) in New South Wales.
Advice on egg safety to hospitals, residential aged care services and children's services. Over the past five years, the incidence of Salmonella infection in Victoria has increased.
Protection against insect bites and early diagnosis and treatment of bites or skin lesions that are slow to heal is advised following an increase in notifications of M.ulcerans (Bairnsdale/Buruli ulcer).
The department has been notified of three cases of elevated blood lead levels due to patients taking traditional Ayurvedic medications imported from India. High blood lead levels can cause lead poisoning and can affect health.
The Health Minister, David Davis has announced that free pertussis vaccine for parents of newborn babies has been extended for another year to 30 June 2012.
The Department of Health has prepared vaccine cold chain management strategies for a power outage.
The correct selection, safe storage and proper cooking of eggs can help avoid illness from harmful bacteria. More information for consumers, retailers and local government is available on the 'Eggs Need TLC' website.
Last updated:
1 February, 2012
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