Latest updates

Keep up to date with the latest updates and news.
  • Sexually active people in Melbourne’s south-east should look out for warning signs of mpox and take measures to protect ...

  • The grass pollen season is now officially under way, increasing the risk of hay fever, asthma and thunderstorm asthma. “...

  • September is sexual health month and a reminder that if you are sexually active, and with multiple partners, you should ...

  • The Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease (Legionellosis) with a significant increa...

Medical Bulletin

Our quarterly Medical Bulletin provides updates for medical staff and general practitioners on communicable diseases, research and disease outbreaks.

We encourage all medical staff to report urgent notifiable conditions on 1300 651 160 upon initial diagnosis or clinical suspicion (presumptive or confirmed) as soon as practicable. Please note that the Public Health Unit that manages the patient is allocated by the address of the patient.

Recent editions

  • September 2024 ­– mpox cases continue to increase; pertussis vaccinations in pregnancy; supporting doctors to notify conditions; further changes to vaping laws
  • June 2024 – New mpox cases and travel-related illnesses; ARF and RHD notifications; our Cultural Liaison Officer project; population health priorities
  • March 2024 – iGAS becomes urgent notifiable condition; atypical measles presentations
  • December 2023 – Notification and testing for mumps and measles; Buruli ulcer season transmission season begins
  • August 2023 – New mpox cases; ARF and RHD become notifiable conditions; antibiotic prophylaxis for iGAS
  • June 2023 – Chickenpox health alert; gonorrhoea notification and testing; syphilis follow-up; tetanus death
  • March 2023 – Post Exposure Prophylaxis; managing Meningococcal disease; hepatitis B and C

Community Noticeboard

Keep up with the latest in our Community Noticeboard, which provides a variety of news – including health tips, updates on activities in your local area and information about new community grants. You can subscribe here.

For information on health campaigns, including in-language resources, click here.

Recent editions

Chief Health Officer updates

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer publishes health alerts and advisories to the Victorian public and the health sector on a needs basis.

These alerts and updates typically include key messages, advice on who is at risk, symptoms, transmission and treatment, and recommendations for health professionals and the public. In some cases there is advice on diagnosis and information about exposure sites.

You can subscribe to the latest health alerts and advisories, which can be found here: Health alerts and advisories.