Update: Change to notifications for acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD)
From Monday 29 April 2024, notifications for Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) are managed by Public Health Units across the state. This move brings the management of ARF and RHD notifications in line with other notifiable conditions within Queensland, for improved efficiency and coordination in disease management protocols.
ARF and RHD are reportable conditions in Queensland. Notifications can be made by completing the designated form for either rheumatic heart disease or acute rheumatic fever and emailing them to CDIS-NOCS-Support@health.qld.gov.au.
Notifications should be made within 48 hours of suspected or confirmed diagnosis.
Healthcare professionals are advised to remain alert for new cases, especially in high-risk areas, and consult the 2020 Australian guideline for prevention, diagnosis, and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
Join our education event in June
Our education event is designed to increase health practitioner awareness, knowledge and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in the Brisbane south PHN region.
More resources for health workforces
- On 4 March 2022, the Honourable Yvette D’Ath MP, Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services released the Ending Rheumatic Heart Disease: Queensland First Nations Strategy 2021-2024 (PDF 1624 kB), which was developed in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Sector and through widespread consultation.
- Clinical support, resources and accredited continuing professional development programs are available on www.rhdaustralia.org.au.
- Primary care assessment and management of rheumatic heart disease and acute rheumatic fever can be found on Brisbane South HealthPathways.