Department of Health

Notifiable infectious diseases, conditions and micro-organisms

Latest information about what to notify and how to complete a notification

From 1 January 2023:

  • additional testing information is required for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and chlamydia.

From 1 June 2023:

  • additional testing information also applies to COVID-19 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)).
  • COVID-19 has been made a routine notifiable condition for pathology services.

From 30 June 2023:

  • Mpox (monkeypox) has been made an urgent notifiable condition for medical practitioners and pathology services.
  • Lyssavirus (including Australian Bat lyssavirus) has been made an urgent notifiable condition for medical practitioners and pathology services (changing from routine notification).

From 31 July 2023:

  • Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) have been made routine notifiable conditions for medical practitioners.

From 1 March 2024:

  • Invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS) has been made an urgent notifiable condition for medical practitioners and pathology services.

Further information is provided under each condition in the notifiable conditions table and on the Notifications procedures for infectious diseases page.

Notify anaphylaxis

Notification of anaphylaxis applies to Victorian public and private hospitals.

All anaphylaxis cases presenting to hospital for treatment should be reported to the us via the online notification form (available 24/7). A link is provided for hospitals to notify the department of anaphylaxis.

Notify an outbreak of COVID-19 or other infectious disease

All outbreaks of COVID-19 within residential care facilities should be notified to the Department of Health or Local Public Health Units (LPHUs). An outbreak in a residential care facility is defined as two or more residents testing positive within a 72-hour period.

Notification can be completed online through the outbreak notification formExternal Link .

Outbreaks of infectious disease such as respiratory illness (e.g. influenza, RSV, COVID-19) or food-borne and water-borne outbreaks (i.e. gastroenteritis) within residential care facilities, health services, workplaces and educational settings should be reported to department especially if risks related to multiple cases are identified or cases or exposed persons are at high risk of serious disease.

Outbreaks may be reported to the department using the communicable disease outbreak notification formExternal Link or by calling 1300 651 160.

Notification of food-borne illness or water-borne illness in 2 or more related cases must be made within 24 hours by calling 1300 651 160 (further links are provided in the notifiable conditions table).

Notify an infectious disease or medical condition

Notification of an infectious disease or medical condition applies to Medical practitioners and/or pathology services.

Conditions are listed in the notifiable conditions table and include notifications requirements, notification links and further information.

Notifiable conditions

Please note:
  • Reference to coded information - to preclude identification of the patient, coded information is provided for this condition. See Notification procedures.
  • Reference to authorised method - laboratories may send reports via Australia Post to: 'Department of Health, Reply Paid 65937, Melbourne VIC 8060' (no stamp required) or via an established electronic reporting channel.

Notify a micro-organism detection/isolation in food or water

Applies to: Laboratory services and proprietors of food premises or food vending machines (FP/FVM)

Refer to a micro-organisms table on this page for further information.

Notify a micro-organism detection/isolation in food or water now

  • Laboratory services

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    Proprietors of food premises or food vending machines

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    More information

    Food safety

    Water quality

  • Laboratory services

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    Proprietors of food premises or food vending machines

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    More information

    Food safety

    Water quality

  • Laboratory services

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    Proprietors of food premises or food vending machines

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    More information

    Food safety

    Water quality

  • Laboratory services

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    Proprietors of food premises or food vending machines

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    More information

    Food safety

    Water quality

  • Laboratory services

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    Proprietors of food premises or food vending machines

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    More information

    Food safety

    Water quality

  • Laboratory services

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    Proprietors of food premises or food vending machines

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    More information

    Food safety

    Water quality

  • Laboratory services

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    Proprietors of food premises or food vending machines

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    More information

    Food safety

    Water quality

  • Laboratory services

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    Proprietors of food premises or food vending machines

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    More information

    Food safety

    Water quality

  • Laboratory services

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    Proprietors of food premises or food vending machines

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    More information

    Food safety

    Water quality

  • Laboratory services

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    Proprietors of food premises or food vending machines

    When

    Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department's Food Safety Unit on tel:13003643521300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

    How Food: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Food Safety Unit at notifications@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form
    Water: Urgent notification by telephone to the department’s Water Unit on 1300 761 874 when a notifiable micro-organism is isolated or detected as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. Written notification must follow within 1 day to the Water Unit at water@dhhs.vic.gov.au. Download the Notifiable micro-organisms form

    More information

    Food safety

    Water quality

About notifying infectious diseases, conditions and micro-organisms

The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 requires that prescribed conditions and micro-organisms are notified to the Department of Health. For more information about notifying, see Notification procedures.

The law exists to monitor and control the occurrence of infectious diseases and other specified conditions, and helps to prevent further illness. The aim is to protect the health and safety of the community.

The online notification forms are hosted by the Commonwealth Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources. The online forms allow you to save partially completed forms. The information you provide in these forms is protected and only visible by authorised staff within the department.

Important: conditions marked 'urgent' require notification to the department by telephone as soon as practicable, and in any case, no later than within 24 hours (contact details provided per condition or micro-organism above).

Urgent and emerging public health concerns

Section 55 of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 provides the general authority for medical practitioners to provide the department with any case information that relates to an urgent or serious potential public health risk. Within this authority, medical practitioners are able to highlight at risk cases, or cases with an importance to public health that are only required to be notified by pathology services, such as those with high risk occupations. Examples may include a cluster of severe respiratory disease, a cluster of severe unexplained illness, or illness from suspected exposure to a serious hazard.

The authority provides an additional line of communication and much needed link between medical practitioners, as the day-to-day 'eyes and ears' of the Victorian health system, and the department.

The authority may also be utilised for emerging conditions (identified by the Chief Health Officer or nationally) and increases the sensitivity of the Victorian surveillance system in an era of increasing emerging infections.

Please telephone the department on 1300 651 160 (24/7) to speak to a public health officer about an urgent or emerging public health concern.

Reviewed 26 February 2024

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Contact us

Do not email patient notifications.

Communicable Disease Section Department of Health GPO Box 4057, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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