Abstract
• Names are more than just labels used to identify diseases. They can be windows into the discovery, characteristics and attributes of the disease. • Toponymous diseases are diseases that are named after places. • Hendra, Ross River, Bairnsdale, Murray Valley and Barmah Forest are all examples of Australian places that have had diseases named after them. They all have unique and interesting stories that provide a glimpse into their discovery, history and culture. • Because of perceived negative connotations, the association of diseases with placenames has sometimes generated controversy.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 642-646 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Medical Journal of Australia |
| Volume | 193 |
| Issue number | 11-12 |
| Publication status | Published - 6 Dec 2010 |