Applied epidemiology of infectious diseases in Queensland

Abstract

The Queensland Health Communicable Diseases Branch (CDB) is responsible for the surveillance, prevention, and control of communicable diseases in Queensland. From February 2018 to December 2019, I undertook my MAE field placement within the CDB. This thesis presents the projects undertaken during this 22-month field placement. My projects comprise of: investigating the impact of funded pertussis vaccination strategies designed to protect young children in Australia on the epidemiology of pertussis in young children; evaluating the invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) disease surveillance system in Queensland; assessing effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in children eligible for the state-funded vaccine during the 2018 flu season in Queensland; and characterising the first cases of invasive meningococcal disease due to serogroup E in Queensland. This thesis also describes other experiences and public health activities undertaken during my placement: investigation of a Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak in Queensland; involvement in trachoma screening activities in remote areas Queensland; technical writer for the assessment of iGAS to be considered as a nationally notifiable condition in Australia; contribution to a global assessment of the burden of iGAS in women and children. These projects and experiences fulfil the core requirements of the Australian National University Master of Philosophy (Applied Epidemiology) program.