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Epidemic thunderstorm asthma

The department developed an Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma Program to address potential future impacts of thunderstorm asthma events.

Melbourne experienced the world’s largest epidemic thunderstorm asthma event on 21 November 2016, with thousands of people developing breathing difficulties in a very short period of time.

Following this event, the former Department of Health and Human Services (now Department of Health) developed a multi-faceted, comprehensive Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma Program to address potential future impacts.

Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma Program

The department's Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma Program incorporates a public information campaign, a risk forecasting system, improving emergency response arrangements, research and training.

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast

The department has established an epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecasting system, which runs from 1 October to 31 December each year.

Thunderstorm asthma campaign toolkit

The Department of Health has developed this toolkit to help your organisation share the thunderstorm asthma preparedness messages.

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma - resources for health professionals

The department is supporting delivery of an epidemic thunderstorm asthma education program for health professionals across Victoria.

Updated

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