Central ueensland and Central West Public Health Bulletin

Central Queensland and Central West

Public Health Bulletin

P2467 - PUBLIC HEALTH NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2020 V1.0

COVID-19 updateCoronavirus (COVID-19) current situation and public health response for Central Queensland The first case of COVID-19 in Central Queensland was detected on 12 March 2020, there have been 10 confirmed cases in Central Queensland since then and no cases in Central West. Central Queensland has not had any active case of COVID-19 since 2 June 2020. As of 13 November 2020, there have been 25,497 COVID-19 tests taken throughout Central Queensland’s fever clinics since the beginning of the pandemic.

COVID-19 Public Health response within CQHHS (as of 16 November 2020)

> Case interviews for confirmed COVID-19 cases and notifying over 300 close contacts.

> Managed the first residential aged care COVID-19

> COVID-19 update > Communicable disease:

lyssavirus and acute rheumatic fever > Calling all nurse and midwife immunisers:

AHPRA require help in preparation for COVID-19 vaccination

> Managing vaccines during storm season > PRODA > Staff movements > Food safety this festive season > Communicable disease notifications

In this issue...

The Central Queensland Public Health Unit will be closed from 25 December 2020, returning 4 January 2021. Please contact the after hours number for urgent notifications during this time.

82 - 86 Bolsover Street PO Box 946 Rockhampton QLD 4700

Phone: 07 4920 6989 Fax: 07 4920 6865 After hours phone for urgent notification: 07 3946 1699

Contact Central Queensland Public Health Unit

outbreak in Queensland. > Trained approximately 70 Contact Tracing Officers. > COVID-19 testing for returned travellers, interstate

workers. > Assisted the Victorian State Government with

contact tracing during the COVID-19 Outbreak in August 2020, by working with 31 cases to identify close contacts. Informed close contacts of possible exposure and advised on procedures for testing and self-quarantine.

> Supported Metro South Public Health Unit in their response to outbreaks affecting QLD Correctional Services Facilities. Contacted 91 Brisbane Youth Detention Centre staff and visitors and 148 Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre QCS staff for 14 days who had been identified as close contacts and followed them up for 14 days.

> We have held a total of 22 regular meetings and updates with Central Queensland and Central West local mine operators and Residential Aged Care

December 2020 | Volume 26 Issue 2

Central Queensland and Central West Public Health Bulletin


Facilities. > Conducted 3 Desk Top Exercises with Central

Queensland and Central West Residential Aged Care Facilities testing their outbreak management plans and providing feedback on areas for consideration.

Protecting our Borders – Human Biosecurity activities Our Director of Public Health and Public Health Physician Prof Gulam Khandaker was the only Human Biosecurity Officer (HBO) until October 2020. Recently our Public Health Registrar Dr Nicolas Smoll has been appointed as an HBO by the Australian Government. As of 24 November 2020, CQPHU’s HBO activities included;

> During lockdown of discrete Indigenous communities: 157 individual and 22 applications to enter designated area.

> 78 vessels requested medical assistance for crew from 4 February 2020 to 6 November 2020.

Environmental Health and Public Health Compliance Reviewed and facilitated:

> Over 50 Chief Health Officer (CHO) Exemptions (specialist worker and compassionate)

> 52 international and interstate travellers in hotel quarantine

> 162 seasonal workers under the Pacific Workers Scheme in the region

> Reviewed 54 Industry/Event Plans between July and November 2020; and

> Issued 422 quarantine notices and 3 isolation notices.

Communicable diseases: lyssavirusThe Disease and reservoirThere are twelve closely related but distinct lyssavirus species that have been formally recognised. Rabies virus and other lyssaviruses cause the disease rabies. All mammals are susceptible to infection with rabies and are therefore a possible reservoir. Australia is currently free of rabies in terrestrial (land dwelling) mammals, however evidence of Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) infection has been documented in several species of bats. It is therefore assumed that all bats, both in Australia or anywhere in the world have the potential to carry and transmit lyssaviruses.

Mode of transmissionThe virus is transmitted by virus-laden saliva of an infected animal via a bite or scratch, or by contamination of mucous membranes or broken skin.

Incubation periodThe incubation period depends on wound severity, location in relation to the nerve supply, proximity to

the brain and degree of protection provided by clothing and other factors. For rabies virus, usually 3-8 weeks, rarely as short as a few days or as long as several years. For ABLV, it is assumed to be similar to rabies virus. The first two documented infections had likely incubation periods from 4 weeks to over 2 years respectively.

Definition of potential exposureAny bite or scratch from, or mucous membrane or broken skin contact with the saliva or neural tissues of:

> a bat (in Australia OR elsewhere in the world) > a wild or domestic terrestrial mammal in a rabies-

enzootic country – this includes Bali and Indonesia from August 2008 onwards

> a wild or domestic terrestrial mammal in Australia, where there is laboratory confirmation of infection with any lyssavirus – contact your local Public Health Unit to discuss these special situations.

LYSSAVIRUS Bats, Monkeys, Dogs...

All potential exposures to Lyssavirus require immediate notification to Public Health for

consideration of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

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PreventionPre exposure vaccination with rabies vaccine is recommended for people whose occupation (including volunteer work) places them at increased risk of being bitten or scratched by bats or if they work or travel in rabies-enzootic countries (see WHO map for rabies-enzootic areas www.who.int/rabies/en/)

Only appropriately vaccinated and trained people should handle bats.

Wound CareIn all potential exposures, please perform the following steps:

> Immediately wash the wound with soap and copious amounts of water for at least 5 minutes

> Do not scrub or suture a wound unless unavoidable. Suturing should only occur after Human Rabies Immunoglobulin (HRIG) administration

> Apply a viricidal antiseptic (eg. Povidone-iodine or alcohol)

> Consider the need for tetanus injection > Call the Public Health Unit 07 4920 6989 (or the

Public Health Physician on call after hours 07 3646 1699) to notify and discuss PEP immediately.

Bats—whether alive, dead or dying pose significant risks to humans, so the safest advice is do not touch bats, call your nearest Wildlife Carer for assistance.

Report ALL exposures to Public Health IMMEDIATELY on 4920 6989.

Even if the exposed person has been previously immunised against rabies, still contact Public Health to arrange treatment.

Public Health will arrange for post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for your patient.

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http://www.who.int/rabies/en/)



THINK Acute Rheumatic FeverAttention: Queensland Clinicians

References:• RHDAustralia (ARF/RHD writing group), National Heart Foundation of Australia and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand. Australianguideline for prevention, diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (2nd edition). 2012 www.rhdaustralia.org.au• Healthpathways https://fnq.healthpathwayscommunity.org• eTGcomplete https://tgldcdp.tg.org.au/etgAccess• Primary Clinical Care Manual (PCCM) 9th edition

ARF can lead to rheumatic heart disease, disability, open heart surgery and death, especially when

recurrent episodes occur. ARF and RHD are prevalent in children and young adults in Queensland.

They are caused by Strep A (Streptococcus pyogenes) infection of the throat and skin.

©RHDAustralia. December 2018.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young adults are at high risk, but also consider the diagnosis in other population groups including Migrants, Refugees and Pacific Islanders.

Skin and throat infections in children at high risk SHOULD BE TREATED WITH IM PENICILLIN (or Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole an alternative for skin sores) - see the PCCM and the Health Pathways for your area.

The management of pharyngitis and skin sores is different in people at high risk of ARF. The clinical decision rules to differentiate between viral and bacterial pharyngitis do not apply in communities with very high rates of Streptococcal infection.

• FEVER• JOINT PAIN• LIMPING

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)• Bloods (FBC/FBE, ESR, CRP, ASOT, antiDNase B)• Blood cultures if febrile• Throat/skin sore swab (preferably before giving

antibiotics) culture for Strep A• Give benzathine penicillin G injection or if not

available commence oral antibiotics

• Contact on call Paediatrician, Cardiologist or adult Physician to expedite your patientʼs admission for ongoing evaluation to determine diagnosis of ARF and echocardiography

ARF and RHD are both NOTIFIABLE conditions in QueenslandREPORT ALL SUSPECTED AND CONFIRMED CASES TO QLD RHD PROGRAM

Email [email protected] Phone 1300 135 854

Fax 1300 429 536

Download the free Guidelines app with ARF Diagnosis Calculator

AT HIGH RISK:

If these symptoms are present, do:

All suspected or confirmed cases of ARF need to be admitted to hospital for echocardiography and assessment of evolving symptoms.

Many cases of ARF are initially missed, since early symptoms can be subtle. They may comprise one or more of:

• TWITCHING MOVEMENTS (SYDENHAMʼS CHOREA)

• HEART MURMUR

Contact the QLD RHD Register for education and advice about ARF and RHD, notifications, and follow-up

•

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AHPRA are asking immunisation program nurses and midwives (IPN) to complete a survey about their vaccination education. The information gathered will help state and territory health departments with preparations for a potential Australia -wide rollout of

COVID-19 vaccines. This survey is

for those nurses and midwives who have completed

a State recognised immunisation program course.

From this survey a central database will be developed of all Nurse Immunisers. All registered nurses and midwives should have received an email from the Nursing and Midwifery Board AHPRA on 28 October for voluntary completion of this survey. We strongly encourage all IPN nurses to complete this survey. The Australian Government has released the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy outlining the approach to providing COVID-19 vaccines in Australia.

Calling all nurse and midwife immunisers: AHPRA require help in preparation for COVID -19 vaccination

Q1. What types of vaccines are researchers developing?

Q2. How are COVID-19 vaccines being tested?

Q3. Why are clinical trials sometimes paused and restarted?

Q4. What is the process for getting a COVID-19 vaccine approved in Australia?

Q5. How is vaccine safety monitored after a vaccine is approved for use?

Q6. Why are COVID-19 vaccines being developed so quickly?

Q7. Are shortcuts being taken in vaccine safety assessment?

Q8. Which COVID-19 vaccines are likely to be used in Australia?

Q9. When will COVID-19 vaccines be available in Australia?

Q10. Who will get a COVID-19 vaccine first and how is this decided?

Q11. Where will people be able to access the vaccine, and will it be free?

Q12. Will the COVID-19 vaccine be mandatory?

Q13. Why are multi-dose vials being used to store COVID-19 vaccines?

Q14. What are the likely side effects from COVID-19 vaccines?

Q15. How many doses will be required and what will be the schedule?

Q16. What is herd immunity and how does it relate to the COVID-19 vaccination program?

Q17. Will we still need other COVID-19 prevention measures like social distancing and lockdowns if a COVID-19 vaccine is available?

Visit COVID-19 vaccines: Frequently asked questions for answers to these questions as published by the NCIRS:

Managing vaccines during storm season

With the spate of recent storms and associated power surges and outages it seems timely to remind you all to check your process and procedures for managing your vaccines during storm season.

Have a planYour vaccine Management Protocol (VMP) should have all the finite detail on how to manage your vaccines during a power failure. If your VMP does not have precise step by step instructions and required information to enable any member of staff to follow to correctly store your vaccines during a power failure,

then you need to update your VMP to reflect the required steps to be taken.

Have the correct equipment You will need to consider the following information:

> How many eskies are required to store all vaccines loosely packed safely without over crowding.

> How many ice packs are required for each esky with that number written on the lid of the esky?

> How much insulating material do you require to adequately protect the vaccines?

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https://ahpra.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b1mgFTPrKL6TiER

https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/11/australian-covid-19-vaccination-policy_1.pdfhttps:/www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/11/australian-covid-19-vaccination-policy_1.pdf

https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/11/australian-covid-19-vaccination-policy_1.pdfhttps:/www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/11/australian-covid-19-vaccination-policy_1.pdf

https://www.ncirs.org.au/covid-19/covid-19-vaccines-frequently-asked-questions?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=COVID-19%20vaccines%20Frequently%20asked%20questions&utm_content=COVID-19%20vaccines%20Frequently%20asked%20questions+CID_a8542b877886c3023c34e37e8bfba2ee&utm_source=eDM&utm_term=Read%20FAQ



> Where are the eskies and ice packs stored? > Each esky should have inside it:

▸ Enough insulating material like bubble wrap to protect the vaccines from the ice packs

▸ A minimum /maximum thermometer for EACH esky (ensure their batteries have been changed annually and slush test done)

▸ Temperature recording chart stuck to the lid of each esky

Does everyone know how to pack an esky?Each facility should do a practice run of packing the vaccines into the eskies so that you know how many eskies will be required to store your vaccines correctly without overcrowding. This will also tell you how long it takes to transfer vaccines from the fridge to the eskies so that you know that your back up plan will work.

How to monitor the temperature during a power failure?Purpose built refrigerators can warm up quickly during a power failure, especially if the ambient temperature is quite warm. Not all purpose-built refrigerators continue to display the current temperature inside the fridge during a power failure, so when the power does fail it is important to place an external digital thermometer into the refrigerator to continuously monitor the current temperature.

Document the temperatures during the time of the power failure every 15 minutes for the first 2 hours , then hourly. If the temperature of your fridge exceeds +8 for longer than 15 minutes, then you need to consider removing vaccines from the fridge and place into eskies.

If the power goes off during business hours.

> Immediately place an external digital thermometer inside the fridge

> Place a sign on the door that says POWER OUT, DO NOT USE VACCINES. DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR.

> Closely monitor the fridge temperature. > If the temperature rises to +8 and above,

commence preparations to move the vaccines to prepared eskies.

> It is recommended to place bottles of water or Chilled (NOT frozen) icepacks into the fridge to help slow down the warming up of the fridge.

Placing an insulated cover (e.g. windscreen protector

cut to size) over the glass door of the fridge with stick on velcro dots will also help to slow down the warming up of the fridge. It is important to ensure that the vents or the motor of the purpose-built vaccine fridge are not covered.

Please do not use or discard any vaccines that have been involved in a cold chain breach without seeking advice from Public Health. No matter whether you think the vaccines are past saving or not, this is not your decision to make. This decision is made by the Public Health Unit and until you are told otherwise you must always continue to maintain the cold chain.

It is also timely to look at your storage capacityIs your purpose-built fridge large enough to accommodate the amount of vaccines that you store in your facility during peak periods (such as influenza program)?

Is your purpose-built fridge going to be large enough to store the routine vaccines, the influenza vaccines and the COVID-19 vaccines (should one become available)?

Now is the time to take stock of the storage capacity of your fridge and emergency cold chain storage equipment in preparation for these vaccines.

To store vaccines correctly to ensure safe and effective vaccines it is important not to overcrowd your fridge. There should be room to store your vaccines on open weave baskets that are clearly labelled. Overcrowding your vaccine refrigerator places all your vaccines at risk as it impedes the circulation of cold air throughout your fridge and reduces the likelihood of achieving and maintaining consistent stable temperatures.

Please refer to the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines “Strive For five” 3rd Edition

Have you updated your Vaccine Management Protocol (VMP) to reflect the current National Vaccine Storage Guidelines “Strive For five” 3rd Edition??

Have you sent the updated VMP through to Dianne Krenske at CQPHU? If you have not updated your VMP and sent it to CQPHU please do this as soon as possible. Please email to [email protected]

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https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/04/national-vaccine-storage-guidelines-strive-for-5.pdf

https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/04/national-vaccine-storage-guidelines-strive-for-5.pdf

mailto:CQPHU-IMMS%40health.qld.gov.au%20?subject=



PRODAIn June 2019 the Australian Government Department of Human Services (DHS) began transitioning all vaccination providers and organisations who access the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) from the authentication file method (how you and your team currently access the AIR) to PRODA. There was a delay in commencing Queensland Health Hospital & Health Services’ transition at a State-level until August 2020.

What is PRODA? PRODA is an authentication system that ensures secure access to online government services, such as AIR which is accessed in Health Professionals Online Services (HPOS). There will be a time when all access to AIR via authentication file method will no longer be available (specific time has not yet been decided, however is imminent). Your support in this transition is paramount for the continuation of the successful operation of the vaccination service you and your team provide, as well as the ability to continue to receive funding for age appropriately vaccinating children.

Why do I need to access the AIR?On 15 November 2020 a consultation paper closed for the proposed amendment of the Australian Immunisation Register Legislation to make vaccination recording on AIR mandatory (refer to https://consultations.health.gov.au/ohp-immunisation-branch/mandatory_reporting_to_air/).

What do CQ & CW HHS employees need to do?Each individual that is required to access AIR needs to set up their own individual PRODA account. Each person registering will require three documents to verify their identity (such as Medicare Card, Driver’s License and Passport/Birth Certificate – keep in mind

that if an individual’s name has changed, proof of change of name will be required as well).

Once registered, each person will be allocated an RA number (registration authority number). This is a unique number given to each person and each person needs to keep this in a safe place.

Instructions for registering as individuals can be found at the following link: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/organisations/business/services/provider-digital-access-proda/how-register-individual-account.

The Registration page can be found at https://proda.humanservices.gov.au/pia/pages/public/registration/account/createAccount.jsf.

Individuals can only complete steps 1 and 2 at this point.

CQHHS employeesCQPHU will be in touch with every department that provides a vaccination service over the upcoming months to coordinate the transition to accessing the AIR via PRODA. Please ensure you apply for your individual PRODA Account and keep your RA Number accessible.

CWHHS employeesPlease ensure you apply for your Individual PRODA Account and keep your RA Number accessible for when your unit/department is to be linked with the correct HPOS account to access the AIR.

As this process is required to be carried out for each vaccination service provider (VSP) throughout CQHHS & CWHHS, we ask for your support in creating your Individual PRODA account in a timely manner, as this will assist greatly in successfully transitioning all Central Queensland and Central West HHS VSP’s to PRODA prior to the authentication file being switched off.

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https://consultations.health.gov.au/ohp-immunisation-branch/mandatory_reporting_to_air/



https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/organisations/business/services/provider-digital-access-proda/how-register-individual-account



https://proda.humanservices.gov.au/pia/pages/public/registration/account/createAccount.jsf





Hannah Ockenden-Muldoon Project Officer: Communicable DiseasesHannah commenced with CQPHU in August 2020 and is working on the Public Health Notifiable Vaccine Preventable Infectious Disease Surveillance project.

The focus of the project is on the issue of infection-related mortality/morbidity in a growing elderly population and expects to optimise prevention and control of preventable infections in vulnerable populations.

Hannah is originally from Wodonga, Victoria, having moved to the sunny state with her partner for his Podiatry position at Rockhampton Hospital. Hannah has a Bachelor of Psychological Science and has previously worked in Victorian Child Protection (i.e. Child Safety), family services and disability services.

A step mum of two boys - 8 and 12 -, Hannah has a love for creative arts, puzzles, non-fiction, research/science and true crime. Hannah can be found doing yoga and kickboxing. Never running though.

Hannah has immensely enjoyed her time in Public Health at CQPHU, however leaves the team over the Christmas break as her partner has been accepted to study Medicine in Sydney. A sad time for our team losing a valued staff member, but here at CQPHU we are so excited for the opportunities this presents for Hannah and her family. Congratulations to you both!

Sonya Davidson Clinical Nurse Public Health (COVID-19)Sonya Davidson has joined the Central Queensland Public Health Unit in the role of Clinical Nurse (COVID-19). Sonya joins us from Miles Hospital and prior to that, she lived in Nepal for the best part of 5 years with her husband, a trekking guide.

Sonya has almost completed her Masters in Public Health and Tropical Medicine through James Cook University. She has a particular interest in immunisation having worked in the past on Nauru as an immunisation nurse for the Immigration Detention Centre. Prior to that she spent approximately 8 years in various Intensive Care Units in Australia and the UK.

“A little about me: my first love is travel, having been “on the road” for about 12 years it is so nice to put down some ties in Rockhampton. I have been to about 54 countries and maybe one day will see some more of the world if COVID allows. My husband has just arrived in Australia after 3 flight attempts (all cancelled) and almost 9 months apart. We have a 2-year-old son who is a typical Nepali “rice killer”. We are new to Rockhampton but look forward to getting to know the area and I look forward to the challenging learning curve I am involved in.”

Welcome to the team Sonya, we welcome you and your family to Rockhampton.

Hannah Ockenden-Muldoon Sonya Davidson

Staff movements

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As we approach the festive season, we need to be conscious of food safety more than ever. With hotter and longer days, we tend to leave food out of the fridge longer, creating an environment for food spoilage and food poisoning organisms to grow. This could result in ready to eat food

being spoiled and not safe or suitable for consumption.

Food safety this festive season

Q1. Who is most at risk if they get food poisoning?

□ Children under 7 years □ People over 65 years □ Pregnant women □ People with weak immune systems □ All of the above

Q2. Which Australians have the best food safety knowledge according to recent surveys?

□ Men of all age groups □ University educated women □ Young people under 30 □ People living in rural or regional communities.

Q3. Hamburgers can be served medium-rare or rare. Is this true or false?

□ True □ False □ Don’t know

Q4. Eggs from your own chickens are less likely to give you food poisoning than shop bought eggs. Is this true or false?


Q5. I’m a vegan so I’m not likely to get food poisoning?


Q6. Which of the following foods is it OK to cut/scrape off mould and eat?

□ Christmas cake □ Jams □ Soft cheese □ Tomato paste □ Sliced meats □ Yoghurt

Some simple food safe practices can protect our food and reduce the risk of food poisoning. The following quiz questions and answers will inform us who the higher risk

groups are, to what standard we should cook some foods, the importance of hand washing and if there is any doubt about the safety of food then it should be dissuaded.

Test your knowledge on food safety. Take the Food Safety Quiz, answers on page 10.

Remember: food safety is in your hands.

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Central Queensland and Central West Hospital and Health Services Communicable Disease No�fica�ons

The Central Queensland (CQ) and Central West (CW) Public Health Units (PHUs) follow similar boundaries to the Central Queensland and Central West Hospital and Health Services (HHSs). The Public Health Medical Officer based in Rockhampton is responsible for no�fica�ons in both HHSs. Miriam Vale Shire is within the Wide Bay HHS but counted in Gladstone Regional Council in the Central Queensland HHS for this report. Three month moving averages for selected diseases, Central West and Central Queensland Hospital and Health Services (each point on the graph represents the average of that month and the previous two months)

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60

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0

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010203040

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01020304050

Mar Jun

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Varicella

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010203040

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Central Queensland and Central West Hospital and Health Services Communicable Disease Notifications

The Central Queensland (CQ) and Central West (CW) Public Health Units (PHUs) follow similar boundaries to the Central Queensland and Central West Hospital and Health Services (HHSs). The Public Health Medical Officer based in Rockhampton is responsible for notifications in both HHSs. Miriam Vale Shire is within the Wide Bay HHS but counted in Gladstone Regional Council in the Central Queensland HHS for this report. Three month moving averages for selected diseases, Central West and Central Queensland Hospital and Health Services (each point on the graph represents the average of that month and the previous two months)

Food Safety Quiz Answers

Q1 All these groups can get very sick from low levels of food poisoning

bacteria or viruses in food. Not only are they more likely to get sick, but they

can get a more severe illness. Small children don’t have fully developed

immune systems until they turn 7 years and little kids can get dehydrated

quickly if the get food poisoning. Older people, especially those over 70,

are also at risk as their immune system is declining. Many people have

reduced immune systems because of illness or medical treatments. Food

poisoning is also serious for pregnant women and especially serious in the

case of listeriosis where Listeria can lead to a miscarriage. It is important

that anyone in these groups get medical advice if they get food poisoning. Q2 People living in rural or regional communities consistently show better

food safety knowledge than those living in capital cities. All the other

groups don’t do as well especially men of all age groups and young people

under 30. Women shouldn’t be too smug as those with a tertiary education

show lower knowledge of food safety than women with only a secondary

education, we don’t know why but possibly because they may have studied

fewer practical subjects such as home economics. Q3 False is correct!

Hamburgers, eaten medium rare or rare, can make you very ill. Raw meat

is likely to be contaminated with a variety of food poisoning bacteria. Raw

meat, except for mechanically tenderised meat, is only contaminated with

bacteria on the surface. When meat is minced, rolled or pierced with needles

to tenderise it, the bacteria on the outside of pieces of meat are transferred

into the meat. Cooking kills these bacteria and makes the meat safe. Always

cook minced or stuffed meat products such as hamburgers, rolled roasts and

sausages until they are 75°C inside as measured with a thermometer. Non-

mechanically tenderised steaks, chops or whole lumps of meat can however

safely be cooked to rare or medium rare.

Q4 The correct answer is false. Shop bought eggs are commercially washed

under special conditions and it is illegal to sell cracked or dirty eggs. While

it is great to have your own chickens and eggs just be aware that the outer

shell will be contaminated with bacteria, some of which might cause food

poisoning. The shell could also have cracks, some so fine that they are hard

to see, and these can allow bacteria to enter the egg. Remember to gather

eggs from their nesting places daily. Carefully check any eggs for cracks

and use those eggs only for food, such as a cake or hard-boiled eggs, that

will be completely cooked. Wipe off any visible dirt with a clean dry cloth or

paper towel but don’t wash the eggs. Then you, your children, grandchildren

or any friends who have been helping to collect eggs, should all wash your

hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. Washing your hands is

also important after handling commercially bought raw eggs. Q5 The correct

answer is false. Food poisoning outbreaks are rare in Australia, but they can

occur from vegetable, fruit or animal sources. Vegetables that are eaten raw

can be contaminated by the soil they are grown in, the water used to make

them grow or by nearby sources of animal waste or the use of unsterilised

animal fertiliser such as chicken manure. Fruits can be contaminated by bird

poop or by dropping on the ground where animals have been grazing and

pooped or unsterilised animal manure has been used. So whether you are

a vegan, vegetarian or meat eater, you need to follow the 5 safety measures

- clean, cook, chill, separate and wash those hands regularly. Q6 None.

Some moulds make and release poisons, called mycotoxins, into the food

that could eventually lead to cancer if you ate enough of them. Discoloured

peanuts, soft and liquid mouldy foods should be discarded. Foods that

traditionally are made with moulds such as some cheeses and salamis are

quite safe to eat. Foods processed without preservatives are at a high risk of

mould growth. Remember, if in doubt, through it out.

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Central ueensland and Central West Public Health Bulletin

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