Recent changes to the legal requirements for 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.
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.
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.
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.
Routine - written notification within 5 days (Note: additional testing information is required. Notification is required weekly for all testing for this notifiable condition)
How
Fax the lab report to 1300 651 170 or send by other authorised method
Routine - written notification within 5 days (Note: additional testing information is required. Notification is required weekly for all testing for this notifiable condition)
How
Electronically through Electronic Laboratory Reporting or by facsimile transmission to 1300 651 170.
Routine - written notification within 5 days. (Note: additional testing information is required. Notification required weekly for all testing for this notifiable condition)
How
Fax the lab report to 1300 651 170 or send by other authorised method
Routine - written notification within 5 days. (Note: additional testing information is required. Notification required weekly for all testing for this notifiable condition)
How
Fax the lab report to 1300 651 170 or send by other authorised method
Syphilis (less than 2 years duration)- early infection acquired within the last 2 years (infectious syphilis)
Primary
Clinical: One or more ano-genital ulcers (chancre) present which may vary in appearance. May be in an occult site (e.g. rectal or perivaginal).
Laboratory: Serology may still be negative very early on. Repeat serology is recommended. Usually EIA, TPPA, TPHA and RPR will be positive. Presence of IgM can be a strong indicator for early infection. Swab from lesion likely to be PCR+. Demonstration of spirochaetes by dark field microscopy.
Secondary
Clinical: Skin spots or rash, particularly on the trunk, palms and soles. Symptoms that can be present include generalised lymphadenopathy, constitutional symptoms, neurological symptoms (especially in HIV+ cases), elevated liver function tests. Primary chancre can still be present.
Laboratory: Serology is positive (+EIA, +TTPA, +TPHA). Usually +IgM. RPR is reactive (titre usually > 1:4)
Early latent
Clinical: No symptoms of syphilis. No history of adequate treatment.
Laboratory: Serology is positive (+EIA, +TTPA, +TPHA). IgM may be negative. RPR is reactive.
Syphilis (2 years or more duration or unspecified) - late infection acquired more than 2 years ago or at an unknown time (non-infectious)
Late latent
Clinical: No symptoms of syphilis.
Laboratory: Serology is positive (+EIA, +TTPA,+TPHA). RPR may still be reactive.
Tertiary
Clinical: Characteristic abnormalities of the cardiovascular, skin, bone, brain or other system.
Laboratory: Seek expert advice.
Syphilis - Congenital syphilis - a condition affecting an infant whose mother had untreated or inadequately treated syphilis during pregnancy or delivery. A positive CSF VDRL is confirmatory.
Pathology services
When
Routine - written notification within 5 days
How
Fax the lab report to 1300 651 170 or send by other authorised method
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
