Rapid Jump in Australian legionnaires disease cases raise concern

[Pastor Dale Morgan]

*Plagues, Pestilences and Diseases

Rapid Jump in Australian legionnaires disease cases raise concern*

AAP

November 20, 2009 06:46pm


A rapid JUMP in cases of legionnaires' disease in South Australia has
local health officials concerned.

Public health director Kevin Buckett said today six cases had been
reported since October 1, bringing the total this year to 15.

That compared to just one case in SA last year and three in 2007.

Dr Buckett said there was no evidence to indicate a single source of the
infection.

"SA Health investigates every case of the disease to try to locate the
source of the bacteria and prevent other people from becoming sick," he
said.

"We have recently examined a number of sites, including patients' homes,
and no common source has been identified."

Legionnaires' disease usually causes pneumonia, which is often severe
with symptoms including fever, chest pain, coughing, breathlessness and
diarrhoea.

The disease is more common in middle aged and older people and those who
have weakened immune systems.

Dr Buckett said because of the increase in cases doctors had been
advised to consider a legionella infection when patients presented with
fever and respiratory illness.

"We're also advising environmental health officers about the increase in
cases and asking them to be alert to any potential areas of
contamination in their area," he said.

Legionnaires' disease can occur if a person breathes in contaminated
water vapour or dust but cannot be spread from person to person.

Legionella pneumophila bacteria are widespread and can be transmitted
from various sources including hot water systems, cooling towers and spa
baths.