Intussusception

Intussusception has been notifiable in Western Australia since July 2007.

All children born on or after the1st of May 2007 are now eligible to receive a rotavirus vaccine as part of the WA vaccination schedule. Although pre-licensure studies on the rotavirus vaccine have not demonstrated an association with intussusception it is possible that a random temporal association of an individual case of intussusception could occur with administration of the vaccine on a large scale.

In order to monitor the impact of the vaccine health professionals are advised to collect detailed clinical information (including vaccination status). Stool samples from all children (vaccinated or not) with intussusception in Western Australia should also be collected for rotavirus testing.

Relevant legislation

The statutory requirement to report intussusception is specified in the Health (Notification of Intussusception) Regulations 2007.

Responsibility for notification

The medical practitioner who attends the person who is suffering from intussusception. Only confirmed cases should be notified.

Case definition of a confirmed case of intussusception

The invagination of a proximal portion of small bowel into a distal small bowel resulting in presentation with an acute abdominal condition. The diagnosis must be confirmed by medical imaging including but not limited to ultrasound, barium and or air enema.

There is no laboratory diagnosis of intussusception.

Who must be notified

Under the Health (Notification of Intussusception) Regulations 2007, the Executive Director, Public Health, must be notified. In practice, notifications are sent to the Director of the Communicable Disease Control Directorate (see below).

How to notify

Notifications should be made using the intussusception notification form (PDF 185KB)

Notification is due within 14 days of diagnosis.

For more information regarding notification of intussusception
Contact the Communicable Disease Control Directorate on (08) 9388 4852.