Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Caroline McElnay has issued an urgent warning following an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
Six cases of the serious respiratory illness have been reported in areas including Craigieburn, Mickleham, Greenvale and Roxburgh Park since early March, with all affected patients receiving hospital treatment.
Dr McElnay urged anyone who lives in, works in or has recently visited these areas and experiences flu-like symptoms to seek urgent medical attention. Symptoms include headaches, chills, muscle pain and cough, which can develop into severe pneumonia. In some cases, patients may also experience confusion, diarrhoea and kidney complications.
Health authorities have advised medical professionals to remain alert, particularly for patients who may have travelled through the area, including along the Hume Highway.
Investigations are currently underway to identify the source of the outbreak, with officials testing cooling towers and other potential sites where the bacteria may spread.
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella bacteria found in water sources such as rivers, lakes, spas and cooling systems. It spreads through inhaling contaminated water droplets but is not transmitted from person to person.
While the disease can be treated with antibiotics, it can become life-threatening if not diagnosed early. Older adults, smokers and individuals with underlying health conditions are considered to be at higher risk.
Authorities noted that the last major outbreak in Victoria occurred in 2024 in Laverton North, resulting in over 100 cases and two deaths.
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