- The Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease (Legionellosis) with a significant increase in cases reported across metropolitan Melbourne and surrounding areas over the past week.
- There have been 77 confirmed and 7 suspected cases reported since Friday, 26 July, mostly in adults over 40 years of age.
- Most cases have required hospitalization, with multiple admissions to intensive care for severe community-acquired pneumonia.
- Legionnaires’ disease can cause a chest infection with symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, headache, and muscle aches. Other atypical symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion.
- All cases have either visited or reside in metropolitan Melbourne. Those most at risk are adults over 40 years old, particularly those with other medical conditions, compromised immune systems, or who smoke.
- People who develop symptoms should seek urgent medical care.
- Healthcare professionals should maintain a high index of suspicion for Legionnaires’ disease in patients with compatible symptoms, especially community-acquired pneumonia with risk factors.
- If Legionnaires’ disease is suspected, request urgent urinary antigen testing through your usual pathology provider. As a priority, order Legionella culture and PCR (e.g., an ‘atypical pneumonia PCR’ panel) on sputum or other respiratory fluid samples (e.g., bronchial washings, endotracheal aspirates). Serology can be requested on blood at symptom onset and again 3 to 6 weeks later (as convalescent serology). Follow antibiotic guidelines or seek urgent advice from an infectious diseases specialist regarding the choice of antibiotic.
- Legionnaires’ disease is an urgent notifiable condition that requires notification to the Department of Health upon initial diagnosis or clinical suspicion as soon as practicable by calling 1300 651 160 (available 24/7).
Reference: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-alerts/outbreak-of-legionnaires-disease-in-metropolitan-melbourne
