Toponymous diseases of Australia

Abstract

Names are more than just labels used to identify diseases. They can be windows into the discovery, characteristics and attributes of the disease. Toponymous diseases are diseases that are named after places. Hendra, Ross River, Bairnsdale, Murray Valley and Barmah Forest are all examples of Australian places that have had diseases named after them. They all have unique and interesting stories that provide a glimpse into their discovery, history and culture. Because of perceived negative connotations, the association of diseases with placenames has sometimes generated controversy.

Weather extremes associated with increased Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus notifications in NSW: learnings for public health response

“…RRV and, to a lesser extent, BFV are the most common mosquito‐borne pathogens notified to public health authorities in NSW 4‐6 . While local outbreaks have occurred elsewhere, 1 during most years a high proportion of RRV and BFV notifications in NSW are for cases in residents of the north east of the state, (in the local health districts (LHDs) of Hunter New England, Mid North Coast and Northern NSW).…”

“…RRV and, to a lesser extent, BFV are the most common mosquito-borne pathogens notified to public health authorities in NSW. [4][5][6] While local outbreaks have occurred elsewhere, 1 during most years a high proportion of RRV and BFV notifications in NSW are for cases in residents of the north east of the state, (in the local health districts (LHDs) of Hunter New England, Mid North Coast and Northern NSW). A humid climate with many waterways and ephemeral water bodies, as well as an abundance of reservoir host animals of arboviruses in close proximity to human populations, are likely contributing factors to the higher number of notifications in this part of NSW.…”