Since early March, six instances of a serious respiratory illness have surfaced in Craigieburn and the adjacent northern suburbs.

The affected individuals have been hospitalized for treatment.

Health officials are currently examining the outbreak’s origin, focusing on local cooling towers and other potential sources.

Legionnaires’ disease, a type of lung infection, is triggered by Legionella bacteria, which are commonly found in the environment.

These bacteria thrive in natural water sources like rivers, lakes, creeks, and hot springs, as well as in man-made systems such as spas, warm water setups, and cooling towers used in industrial processes. They can also be present in potting soil.

The illness spreads when people inhale tiny droplets of water carrying the bacteria, but it is not transmitted through human contact or by drinking contaminated water.

Legionnaires’ can be treated with antibiotics, but it can be deadly if symptoms aren’t treated promptly.

Over 65s, smokers, excess alcohol drinkers and people with underlying health conditions at greater risk of infection.

Victoria’s last major outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease was linked to a cooling tower in Laverton North in late July of 2024.

The outbreak led to more than 100 confirmed cases and two deaths.

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