People over 40, smokers, and individuals with chronic lung disease, weakened immune systems, or underlying conditions like heart and liver disease are at higher risk of Legionnaires’ disease.
More than 60 cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been reported in Victoria, resulting in the death of a woman in her 90s who fell ill on July 30.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacteria, which can be present in various water systems such as lakes, rivers, cooling towers, plumbing systems, and hot water tanks and heaters.
Chief Health Officer Dr. Clare Looker stated that around 59 confirmed cases and seven suspected cases have been hospitalized.
Dr. Looker also mentioned that most cases are concentrated in the northwestern suburbs of Melbourne, particularly in Derrimut and Laverton North.
Symptoms may include shortness of breath, cough, fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and pains. Those at higher risk of infection are smokers, individuals with chronic lung disease, and people over 40.
Cooling Towers Likely Connected to Outbreak
The chief health officer indicated that cooling towers are the main focus of the health department’s investigation as they are commonly the source of Legionella outbreaks.
Dr. Looker mentioned, “Our current focus is on inspecting and disinfecting all cooling towers in these suburbs, totaling over 100.”
She added, “Our teams have already visited, inspected, and tested 41 cooling towers, with ongoing work in the following days.”
Disinfection is carried out immediately during these visits, typically within 24 hours of testing, regardless of the test results.
Dr. Looker stated, “This ensures that any presence of legionella bacteria is promptly addressed, whether detected or not.”
She also noted that definitive test results may take several days to confirm.
“While it is uncommon for multiple towers to be the source of a Legionnaires outbreak, we are keeping an open mind due to the significant number of cases across Melbourne in a short timeframe,” Dr. Looker explained.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan advised individuals experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention, especially those with underlying conditions or compromised immune systems.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas reassured the public that Victoria’s healthcare system is prepared to handle the increase in cases, although she expressed concerns about the unidentified source of the disease.
“Our health services are vigilant and capable of treating individuals with legionnaires’ symptoms,” she emphasized during a press conference.
Health Department Recommends PCR Testing for the Disease
The Victorian health department stressed that Legionnaires’ disease spreads through inhaling water droplets containing Legionella bacteria and is not typically transmitted person-to-person or through contaminated drinking water.
Clinicians are advised to request urgent urinary antigen testing if Legionnaires disease is suspected and to order Legionella culture and PCR testing on respiratory samples.
“Legionnaires’ disease is a notifiable condition that must be reported to the Department of Health upon suspicion or diagnosis within 24 hours,” the department highlighted.
Please rewrite the following sentence: “She was advised to take a break and relax for the remainder of the day.”
Her recommendation was to take a break and unwind for the rest of the day.
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