Chlamydia

Statutory notification

• Chlamydia is a notifiable infectious disease in Western Australia.
• See notifiable communicable disease case definitions (Word 1.29MB).
• Notifications should be made using the communicable disease notification form for metropolitan residents (PDF 209KB) or regional residents (PDF 208KB).
• For notification of regional residents see contact details of public health units.
• See also description of statutory medical notifications in Western Australia.

Public health management

Important information

• Infectious agent: Genital infection is caused by some subtypes of Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. Other subtypes cause trachoma and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV).
• Transmission: Chlamydia is passed on by unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex with an infected person. Pregnant women can pass chlamydia on to their babies, causing serious eye and lung infections.
• Incubation period: From 2 to 60 days but may be longer, though many remain asymptomatic.
• Infectious period: Infected persons are presumed to be infectious. Without treatment, infection can persist for months
• Case exclusion: Do not exclude.
• Contact exclusion: Do not exclude.
• Treatment: As recommended by the Guidelines for Managing Sexually Transmitted Infections – WA Silver book – Chlamydia.
• Immunisation: None available.
• Case follow-up: Is the responsibility of health care providers.

Guidelines

• Guidelines for Managing Sexually Transmitted Infections – WA Silver book – Chlamydia

Notifiable disease data and reports

• Notifiable infectious disease dashboard
• General infectious disease reports