Page content: 2.1 Local Government | 2.2 Department of Human Services

2.1 Local Government

The Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 1990 aim to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases in Victoria. Notification requirements are set out in Schedule 2 of these regulations.

Local government is empowered to investigate infectious diseases under the provisions of the Health Act 1958.

Section 29A states:

"The function of the council under this Act is to seek to prevent diseases, prolong life and promote public health through organised programs including the prevention and control of...diseases...by...

(e) developing and enforcing up-to-date public health standards and intervening if the health of people within the municipal district is affected;

Additional powers are also given to Local Government with respect to the general control of infectious diseases under Sections 12 and 13 of the Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 1990.

Environmental health officers (EHO's) may become involved in the public health management of cases of infectious diseases in various ways:

• Cases may be referred by the Department of Human Services for further investigation
  
• Cases may be reported directly to them from the local community
  
• They may become aware of cases as a result of their own observations and investigations.

Responsibilities for the investigation and management of the public health aspects of cases and outbreaks of gastrointesinal illness is usually shared by the Department of Human Services and local government public health authorities. Notification of outbreaks should be made urgently to the Region. If you cannot contact the Regional EHO, contact Disease Control Victoria.

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The Medical Officer of Health (MOH) as a member of the public health team, has a key role in providing ongoing advice to local government and local government EHO's in the investigation of sporadic cases and outbreaks of infectious diseases. In addition the MOH has a role in liaising with other local medical care providers within the municipality to promote early notification of cases, suspected outbreaks and identification of local trends.

2.2 Department of Human Services

2.2.1 Regional Office

The Regions are responsible for:

• Providing assistance and advice to local government in the investigation of cases of gastrointestinal illness
  
• Ensuring that any outbreaks or significant issues arising from investigations are notified to Disease Control Victoria
  
• Reviewing regional data
  
• Coordinating the investigation of priority cases of gastrointestinal illness within the region, ensuring that local government is investigating cases in accordance with these guidelines
  
• Assisting with investigations of outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses within the region through liaising with local government, Disease Control Victoria, Food Safety Victoria and the Environmental Health Unit
  
• Providing a public health emergency response to infectious disease outbreaks

Disease Control Victoria is responsible for:

• Formulating policy and program standards for the prevention and control of gastrointestinal illness
  
• Maintaining a surveillance system for notifiable infectious diseases
  
• Developing and coordinating appropriate education and prevention strategies
  
• Coordinating the investigation of outbreaks of infectious diseases
  
• Providing expert advice on infectious diseases issues
  
• Providing public health emergency response to infectious disease outbreaks

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Food Safety Victoria is responsible for:

• Formulation of policy and standards to control food-borne illnesses
  
• Provide advice and assistance on "clearance programs" for foods identified as being associated with a food-borne incident to prevent further incidents of contamination
  
• Assisting with the investigation of outbreaks related to suspected or actual food sources
  
• Coordinating food sampling for clusters of gastrointestinal illness or outbreak investigation
  
• Providing advice on food hygiene procedures
  
• Coordinating food recalls
  
• On advice from or following information provided by local government or the region, assist in the process of issuing closure orders and the revocation of a closure order under the Food Act 1984.

2.2.4 Environmental Health Unit

The Environmental Health Unit is responsible for:

• Advising on potential public health risks arising from drinking water supplies, tanks, swimming pools, spas, recreational waters or flood waters
  
• Advising on procedures to minimise the risk to public health arising from water-borne hazards
  
• Investigating potential sources of contamination in conjunction with the Region and local government
  
• Sampling or coordinating water sampling during outbreaks

Guidelines for the investigation of gastrointestinal illness index