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Monday 18
December
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In this edition
Professional development opportunities and events read more
Early diagnosis & treatment key to managing Buruli ulcers
Cases are still on the rise - find out what to look for read more
Outbreak of Invasive Meningococcal C disease in men who have sex with men
A health alert has been issued and free Menactra™ is available read more
SEMPHN festive season closure
Please note our office closure from 22 December to 2 January read more
Webinar: Cervical screening and bowel cancer
Watch this webinar to get the latest updates read more
My Health Record
Check out My Health Record in action read more
Support for those affected by drug and alcohol use
Your patients can access the Family Drug Helpline read more
Is your practice prepared for an emergency?
Here are resources that can help read more
Osteoarthritis guideline released for public consultation
Have your say by 20 December read more
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Early diagnosis & treatment key to managing Buruli ulcers
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Buruli ulcer (also known as Bairnsdale ulcer) is on the rise in Victoria. So far, more than 250 cases have been seen this year.
In Victoria, infection has been reported in residents or visitors of select coastal regions in the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas – particularly in Rye and the surrounding townships of Sorrento, Blairgowrie and Tootgarook.
A growing number of cases have also been seen in residents of Frankston and surrounding suburbs, and other bayside areas in south eastern Melbourne.
The destructive skin infection is caused by the organism Mycobacterium ulcerans.
What to look for:
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The first sign of Mycobacterium Ulcerans infection is usually a painless, non-tender nodule or papule. It is often mistaken for an insect or spider bite and is sometimes itchy.
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The lesion may occur anywhere on the body but it is most common on distal and exposed areas of the limbs.
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In one or two months the lesion may become fluctuant and ulcerate, forming a characteristic ulcer with undermined edges.
Most patients experience their first symptoms between May and September. Symptoms can develop many months after travel to endemic areas with most infections likely to have been acquired during warmer months of the year.
What to do:
Consider testing for Mycobacterium Ulcerans in patients with an ulcer if they’ve travelled to an endemic area in the preceding year. Diagnosis by PCR is quick and accurate.
For more information, visit here or call the Department of Health and Human Services Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Section on ph: 1300 651 160.
Consumer information can be found here.
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Chief health officer alert
Outbreak of invasive meningococcal C disease in men who have sex with men
The following health alert was issued to health professionals, including those working in sexual health, on 7 December.
Key messages:
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Eight cases of Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) due to serogroup C have been identified since May 2017 across Melbourne, almost all in men who have sex with men (MSM), with evidence of local transmission.
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This infection can cause syndromes including meningitis and sepsis that progress rapidly and can cause death in up to 10 per cent of cases. Quadrivalent (A, C, W, Y) meningococcal conjugate vaccine (4vMenCV) provides effective prevention for up to five years.
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In response the Department of Health and Human Services is providing free 4vMenCV (Menactra™) for all gay and bisexual men and MSM, from Monday, 11 December 2017 until 30 June 2018.
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Offer Menactra™ to all gay and bisexual men and MSM who reside in Victoria and have not received a meningococcal C antigen-containing vaccine in the previous five years.
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Please bulk bill your patient in order to maximise access to this important public health initiative.
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Report the administration of the vaccine to the Australian Immunisation Register.
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Consider IMD in MSM who present with symptoms consistent with meningitis or septicaemia, notify the department without delay on 1300 651 160 and provide immediate antibiotic treatment.
Read the full advisory.
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SEMPHN Festive Season Closure - including Mental Health Intake
Please note:
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SEMPHN will be closed from 3pm Friday 22 December and reopen 2 January, 2018.
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SEMPHN Mental Health Intake will also be closed during this time. Referrals will only be taken up until COB Thursday 21 December.
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Network News will take a break after the 18 December issue and return to your inbox on 8 January.
Warm wishes from everyone at SEMPHN for a safe and happy festive season.
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Get up to speed with Renewed Cervical Screening and bowel cancer guidelines
Cancer Council Victoria, in partnership with SEMPHN, has developed a webinar for health professionals on the Renewal of the National Cervical Screening Program (commenced 1 December) and the new NHMRC Clinical Guidelines for bowel cancer.
The 90-minute webinar features presentations by Dr Stella Heley (Senior Liaison Physician, Victorian Cytology Service) and Professor James St. John (Honorary Senior Associate, Cancer Council Victoria).
The webinar is accredited with the RACGP QI&CPD Program for 3 category 2 points (activity no. 118908).
Viewers are invited to complete a short survey before the webinar, and an evaluation form after the webinar.
Access the webinar here.
For more information, please contact Ashlee Taylor, Workforce Coordinator, Cancer Council Victoria on ashlee.taylor@cancervic.org.au or 9514 6427.
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My Health Record
We’re starting to see some good examples from local GPs about how the My Health Record has improved their consultations with patients.
Having a clear view of your patients' medical history has been beneficial in planning coordinated care for patients.
Check-out Nick’s My Health Record Story.
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Support for those affected by drug and alcohol use
Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC)'s Family Drug Help program assists more than 5000 families each year by providing practical help, information and support for those affected by someone’s drug and alcohol use.
You can download and print the new Family Drug Helpline poster here. By displaying this poster, you can help connect families in need of suppport.
Or, to order posters and Family Drug Help brochures, call 1300 660 068 or email fdh@sharc.org.au, noting how many posters and brochures you would like, and your postal address.
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Is your practice prepared for an emergency?
With the hottest time of the year comes increased risk of bushfires and extreme weather events.
The RACGP has resources for general practices to plan, prepare for, respond to, and recover from the impacts of fires and other emergencies:
You can also sign up to receive DHHS heat health alerts and advice about urgent public health issues and emergencies.
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Osteoarthritis guideline released for public consultation
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has released the updated draft Guideline for the management of knee and hip osteoarthritis for public consultation until 20 December.
More information about how to access the guideline and provide comment can be found here.
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