Public health advice for healthcare providers in the wake of ex-Cyclone Alfred
Queensland Health and Metro South Public Health Unit advise primary healthcare providers to remain alert to emergent health concerns resulting from the impacts of ex-Cyclone Alfred, such as melioidosis, leptospirosis, mould, exacerbation of chronic disease, and mental health concerns.
GPs and other primary care clinicians are encouraged to refer to the localised referral pathways and clinical guidance provided in the Brisbane South Healthpathways post-natural disaster health pages.
Tetanus-containing vaccine update
The Queensland Health Immunisation Program (QHIP) is collaborating with the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care to support timely access to tetanus-containing vaccines for Queenslanders involved in post-Cyclone Alfred disaster recovery efforts.
Until 31 March 2025, access to National Immunisation Program (NIP) tetanus-containing vaccines i.e. Boostrix and Adacel, has been enabled for use in tetanus prone wound management regardless of NIP eligibility.
Providers should access their NIP stock on hand in the first instance for appropriate and timely care. Replacement of NIP stock administered for this purpose can be included in your next QHIP order.
Advice for treating tetanus-prone wounds
The most common presentations to primary health care services after extreme weather events typically relate to injuries sustained during the weather event or in the recovery clean up.
Clinicians are advised to:
view tetanus boosters recommendations as per the Australian Immunisation Handbook
refer to the guidance in Brisbane South HealthPathways’ page: Tetanus-prone Wound Management.
Reporting cold chain breaches for vaccines
To report a cold chain breach after power disruption, please follow usual processes and email a cold chain breach reporting form to QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au.
Please note, Queensland Health staff are expecting large numbers of cold chain breaches to be reported after the cyclone. Response times may be delayed due to high demand.
Top tip: the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’, provides information and advice for vaccine storage management for Australian immunisation service providers. See Appendix 3: Cold chain breach protocol on page 78 for more guidance.
Common post-flood disease risks to look out for
After a flood event, there is an increased risk of cellulitis, gastroenteritis and respiratory tract infections. These can arise from various sources, including:
Water-borne diseases
that occur via ingestion or skin contact with infected flood water
including hepatitis A, gastroenteritis, leptospirosis, legionella, and melioidosis.
Food-borne diseases
that occur through contamination by floodwater or through food exposed to unsafe temperatures because of prolonged power failures
including salmonella, campylobacter, listeriosis, E. coli and hepatitis A.
Vector-borne diseases
transmitted by mosquitoes and will typically occur more often after floods due to increased standing water, which means the risk will be greater when water flow slows and floods recede
including Barmah Forest virus, Ross River virus, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).
Waste (food and sewage)
increased potential for diseases spread through vermin such as cockroaches, flies, mice and rats
common diseases include gastroenteritis, salmonella, typhoid fever, listeriosis and E. coli infections.
Exposure to mould
Exposure to mould after prolonged moisture caused by cyclones or floods may cause some people to develop health problems
particularly for those with asthma or lung disease, allergies to mould, elderly people or people with chronic diseases.
Other useful links
Drinking water during and after a disaster | Queensland Health
Natural disasters and your mental health - Beyond Blue - Beyond Blue
Understanding natural disasters and mental health (lifeline.org.au)
Bacterial infections after a flood | Emergency services and safety | Queensland Government
Floodwater contamination | Community support | Queensland Government
Health and safety during and after a disaster | Metro South Health