SA Health

Official health updates, information and tips from SA Health. Here for your health, every day.

Welcome to the SA Health page SA Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of all South Australians by providing leadership in health reform, public health services, health and medical research, policy development and planning, with an increased focus on wellbeing, illness prevention, early intervention and quality care. SA Health is the brand name for a portfolio of health services and agencies including the Department for Health and Wellbeing, SA Ambulance Service, the Commission on Excellence and Innovation in Health, Preventive Health SA, and ten Local Health Networks. Information posted on any of SA Health’s social media channels is not intended to be individual medical advice and should not be considered medical advice, nor is it intended to replace consultation with a qualified doctor or other health care professional. Are you looking for information or to find a service?
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12/03/2026

When Sophie was pregnant with Gabriel, she enrolled in the NewbornsInSA study through the Women's and Children's Health Network. The study screens newborns for a range of rare but serious health conditions in the first days of life.

“I was in two minds about enrolling initially, but when they told me that it wouldn’t require any additional heel pricking and was completely free, it was a no brainer for me,” says Sophie.

Using the samples from his standard newborn screening, SA Pathology identified that Gabriel had a condition called Aminoglycoside Sensitivity, which increases the risk of deafness if certain antibiotics are used.

Thanks to the NewbornsInSA study, the family received this diagnosis shortly after birth, giving medical staff the chance to consider alternative antibiotic treatments from the start.

“As soon as we were notified of a positive result, we were put in immediate contact with a doctor at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Not only have they supported Gabriel, but they’ve also looked after the rest of our family by testing us for the condition too.”

As the condition is usually inherited through the maternal line, Gabriel’s mother and two big brothers were also invited to undergo testing, with all receiving the same diagnosis.

“I really encourage other parents to enrol in the program and take advantage of this additional testing while it’s available.”

Enrolments are open now and expected to close mid-2026. South Australians are eligible to enrol their baby during pregnancy or up to 14 days after birth if they are at least 18 years of age. Babies need to be born in South Australia and have standard newborn screening.

For more information and to enrol in this study, visit brnw.ch/21x0B71

11/03/2026

Delirium is a common and serious medical condition that affects how a person thinks, pays attention, and interacts with the world. It often starts suddenly and develops over hours or days, and symptoms can fluctuate.

While delirium is more common in older people and during illness or hospital admission, it can occur at any age and in any setting, including at home. It is often caused by an underlying physical problem such as infection, illness, pain, dehydration, or changes to medication.

People experiencing delirium may become confused, have difficulty focusing, be very agitated or restless, or appear unusually quiet, sleepy, or withdrawn. For the person affected, delirium can be frightening, distressing, and disorienting.

Delirium often lasts for days, but in some cases may continue for weeks or longer, and can have lasting effects for both patients and their families.

The theme for World Delirium Awareness Day 2026 – Voices of Delirium – highlights the importance of listening to lived experience. Families and carers are often the first to notice changes, while clinicians play a critical role in recognising delirium, identifying underlying causes, and providing timely treatment and supportive care.

Early recognition matters. Delirium is a medical emergency. If you notice a sudden onset change, seek an urgent medical review.

If life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000).

For more information, visit www.deliriumday.com

10/03/2026

SA Health has been informed of a case of measles in an infant who has not recently travelled.

Measles is a serious and highly contagious infectious disease.
Anyone who isn’t fully immunised, and particularly those who were in the locations at the times listed, should be alert for symptoms over the next few weeks and see a doctor if they become ill.

Symptoms of measles start with fever, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes, followed by a blotchy rash which usually begins on the head and then spreads down the body.

If you believe you have measles symptoms, contact your doctor before you visit so precautions can be taken to avoid spreading the infection to others.

For more information, visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/measles

10/03/2026

Don’t let eggs crack your health – handle them safely to avoid food poisoning.

Eggs can carry Salmonella and handling them incorrectly could spread bacteria onto your hands, around your kitchen and onto your food.

Make sure you don’t wash eggs as the water will transfer any bacteria from the outside of the shell to inside the egg. It’s best to throw cracked and dirty eggs away.

If you make raw egg products such as desserts, mayonnaise, and shakes - immediately store them in the fridge and dispose of them after 24 hours.

For more food safety tips, visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/foodsafety

09/03/2026

8-year-old Brian is a bright, determined and adventurous boy who lives with a rare genetic health condition.

At just 5-months-old, Brian experienced his first seizure. As he continued to have seizures and developmental delays, genetic testing at 18 months led to a diagnosis of a rare inherited gene mutation.

This mutation causes a complex neurodevelopmental disability known as DEE (Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy), which for Brian includes epilepsy, ataxia, intellectual disability, speech delay and ADHD.

Brian has received extensive care and support from teams at the Women's and Children's Health Network, including Neurology and Gastroenterology specialists, as well as genetic counselling following his diagnosis.

Daily life for Brian and his family is busy and full of teamwork, managing medications, therapies, assistive technology and NDIS supports. He attends his local school, where therapists work closely with educators to support his learning and inclusion.

Despite the challenges he navigates, Brian is full of joy and personality. His family describe him as “loving, mischievous and adventurous, and happiest when playing with his favourite people and toys. He adores cars, Transformers, books about snakes and spiders, and loves bike riding and going to the beach.”

Thank you to Brian and his family for sharing their story.

08/03/2026

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can affect anyone who's s*xually active - even if you've only had s*xual contact once. In fact, most people will have HPV at some point in their lives.

If you're infected with a 'high risk' type of HPV, the virus can cause changes to the cells in your cervix and other parts of your body, in ways that may eventually lead to cervical and other cancers.

Usually there are no symptoms of HPV infection, though if you experience bleeding after s*x, pain during s*x, abnormal periods or unusual va**nal bleeding, discharge, or pelvic pain, please see your healthcare provider.

The HPV vaccine is delivered to all students in year 7 through the school based National Immunisation Program. It protects against 9 common strains of high-risk HPV that can cause ge***al warts and cancers of the cervix, va**na, v***a, a**s, p***s, and throat - but not all strains.

If you are under 26 years old, you can receive the HPV vaccine for free if you missed your scheduled immunisation at school. Even if you have had HPV vaccination, you should still have regular cervical screening tests.

Cervical screening tests can detect the high-risk strains of HPV that lead to cervical cancer.

If you have a cervix and are between 25 and 74 years old, you should have a cervical screening test every 5 years - even if you're not currently s*xually active, as long as you've had s*xual contact at some point. You can even collect your own sample. It's simple, painless, and accurate.

Book your cervical screening test with your GP, Aboriginal Health Service or SHINE SA today.

To learn more, visit brnw.ch/21x0gqc

07/03/2026

Stay asthma ready this school year. 🫁

Kate, a Respiratory Nurse Consultant at the Women's and Children's Health Network, has put together a single checklist to keep your child safe at school.

Before they head out the door, make sure they have a puffer and spacer (you can give this to the school office) and an Asthma Action Plan that has been filled in by your child’s healthcare professional.

“It is important to make sure the puffer is labelled and in date. Make sure their spacer is clean and in good working order and you follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning and when to replace one,” says Kate.

“Make sure your child is taking their preventer exactly as prescribed. Preventers reduce airway inflammation over time, and this will help protect your child’s asthma airways to be ready for the classroom and playground.”

For more support, contact Asthma Australia on 1800 278 462 or visit www.asthma.org.au

06/03/2026

Ugh, they always ruin the party. 🦟

Protecting yourself with mozzie repellent is one of the easiest things you can do to prevent being bitten, not just to avoid the itch, but because some mosquitoes can spread serious diseases when they bite.

In South Australia, mosquito-borne diseases include Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), among others.

When choosing a repellent, look for a product containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (PMD) that's approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.

While most mosquito-borne diseases don't have a vaccine, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) does. If you're eligible, the JEV vaccine is free for those at highest risk, so it's worth checking if that includes you.

05/03/2026

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can affect anyone but is a serious threat to young babies.

The RSV Maternal and Infant Protection Program, introduced across Australia last year, has helped reduce serious RSV infections in babies and keep them out of hospital.

Since the program was introduced in South Australia, RSV hospitalisations in newborns less than 1 year old in 2025 have reduced by approximately 50%.

The program offers a free protective maternal vaccine from 28+ weeks of pregnancy. This will protect your baby against RSV after their birth and for their first 6 months of life.

To find out more, talk to your GP, maternal health specialist or usual vaccine provider, and visit sahealth.sa.gov.au/rsv

05/03/2026

South Australians can now access ADHD care through specially trained GPs. One hundred GPs across Adelaide and regional SA have completed additional training to be able to assess, diagnose and prescribe medication for ADHD, without needing to refer to a psychiatrist or paediatrician.

ADHD, also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a developmental condition that begins in early childhood and can cause problems with concentration, becoming distracted, being hyperactive and impulsiveness.

For many people, it can impact school, work, relationships and everyday life.

This service allows more people to be assessed for ADHD and receive treatment sooner.

Learn more about accessing ADHD care through a GP: brnw.ch/21x0qGM

04/03/2026

Bats can carry potentially fatal diseases, and while the risk of getting a disease is extremely rare, they can be spread through bat bites and scratches.

If you see a bat on the ground (living or dead), do NOT touch it and contact a 24/7 help line:
• Fauna Rescue on 8486 1139
• Bat Rescue SA on 0475 132 093

Bats travel many kilometres in search of food and may be found across metropolitan Adelaide and other parts of the state.

If you are scratched or bitten by a bat, or come into contact with their saliva, seek urgent medical attention. You will need to have the wound thoroughly washed and antiseptic applied. Further treatment may be required – speak to your doctor for a medical review.

For more information about bat safety, including what to do if you are bitten or scratched, visit brnw.ch/21x0qMr

04/03/2026

Everyone can check their own skin for signs of skin cancer, and with a bit of practice, it can take no longer than 15 minutes.

When you examine your skin:
🔎 check your whole body, as skin cancers can sometimes appear in areas we might not expect - like the soles of your feet, between your fingers and toes, or even under your nails
🔎 use a mirror, such as a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror
🔎 undress completely in a well-lit room
🔎 ask someone you trust to help with any hard to see spots.

Checking your skin doesn’t have to be complicated but it’s helpful to check it regularly for new spots or changes.

To learn more, visit: brnw.ch/21wSg52

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