Health authorities have issued an urgent warning of a dangerous disease after several people were hospitalized with serious symptoms.
Victoria’s Department of Health has announced it is investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease after a “significant increase” in cases in Melbourne since Friday.
In the past three days, 22 confirmed cases of the disease have been identified, with another six suspected cases.
Most cases occur in adults over 40 years of age, many of whom require hospitalization and intensive care treatment for severe pneumonia.
Health authorities are now looking for the source of the outbreak.
‘Legionella’ disease can cause a chest infection with symptoms of fever, chills, cough, headache and muscle aches. Other atypical symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and confusion,’ the health service said in a statement.
‘All cases have visited or lived in metropolitan Melbourne.
‘Those at greatest risk are adults aged 40 and over, especially those with other medical conditions, weakened immune systems, or those who smoke.’
Legionella bacteria at the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, May 1, 2000. Legionella disease
Anyone who develops symptoms is urged to seek medical attention.
Test results from people who have the disease have shown that the outbreak in Melbourne is caused by ‘Legionella pneumophilia serogroup 1’, which can be detected with a unitary antigen test.
The source of the outbreak is not yet known, but investigations are underway to determine where the outbreak originated.
Symptoms can develop up to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. The bacteria can be found in potting soil and soil and often multiplies in bags of potting soil, mulch and other products.
It can also be found in rivers, lakes, creeks, and hot springs, as well as in spas and hot water systems.
A common source of Legionnaires’ disease is another strain of bacteria typically found in contaminated air conditioning and refrigeration systems in large buildings.
Legionnaires’ disease is spread by inhaling fine water droplets containing the Legionella bacteria.
It is not commonly spread from person to person or through drinking contaminated water.
The Department of Health is urging anyone who lives, works in or has visited Melbourne and surrounding areas to seek urgent medical attention if they develop symptoms.
