Back

Legionnaires’ Disease Alert – Craigieburn Area

Victoria,

Alert Status:
Active
Issued Date:
18 Mar 2026
Issued By:
Dr Caroline McElnay,Chief Health Officer
Issued To:
Health professionals and the Victorian community

The Department of Health Victoria is investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Craigieburn and surrounding suburbs, including Mickleham, Greenvale, and Roxburgh Park. Six cases have been reported as of 18 March 2026.

Who Should Seek Care: 

Anyone who has been in the affected areas since late February and develops flu-like symptoms should seek urgent medical attention.

Symptoms to Watch For:

  • Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches

  • Cough or chest infection (atypical pneumonia)

  • Confusion or diarrhoea

  • Kidney impairment in some cases

Transmission:
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella bacteria found in natural water sources, spas, warm water systems, and artificial cooling or heating systems such as cooling towers. It spreads through inhaling fine water droplets containing the bacteria. It is not passed from person to person, nor does it spread through drinking water.

Who Is at Higher Risk:

  • People over 65

  • Smokers or those with chronic lung disease

  • People with weakened immunity

  • Individuals with conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or kidney failure

For the Public:

  • If you develop symptoms after visiting or working in Craigieburn, Mickleham, Greenvale, or Roxburgh Park, seek urgent medical care.

For Clinicians:

  • Consider Legionnaires’ disease in patients with flu-like symptoms who live in, work in, or have visited the affected areas.

  • Also consider testing patients who have travelled along the Hume Highway and stopped for petrol or food in the region.

  • Request urinary antigen testing through your usual pathology provider.

  • Order Legionella culture on sputum and serology on blood at symptom onset and again 3–6 weeks later.

  • Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment are essential. Refer to the current Therapeutic Guidelines.

  • Legionnaires’ disease is an urgent notifiable condition. Notify the Department of Health at 1300 651 160 as soon as possible and within 24 hours.

Key Takeaways:

  • Legionnaires’ disease can be serious but is treatable with early medical care.

  • Watch for flu-like symptoms after exposure in the Craigieburn area.

  • Vaccinations are not available for Legionella; prevention focuses on avoiding inhalation of contaminated water droplets.

    https://www.health.vic.gov.au/

(Source: Department of Health Victoria)