Australians who contract Legionnaires’ disease may experience flu-like symptoms and have been advised to seek immediate medical attention.
Victoria’s Department of Health has shared these tips as the state faces its deadliest outbreak in 20 years.
Two people have already died, including a man in his 60s who contracted the disease on July 27 before dying in hospital on Sunday.
A woman in her 90s died last Tuesday.
The number of cases in Victoria now stands at 77 and Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Clare Looker said the situation appeared to be stabilising.
Daily Mail Australia has compiled a list of everything you need to know about the disease, how it is transmitted and what symptoms to look out for.
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is not usually transmitted from person to person.
Australians who contract Legionnaires’ disease can experience flu-like symptoms and have been advised to seek immediate medical attention (file image)
The disease is a severe form of pneumonia (a lung infection) caused by inhaling the Legionella bacteria.
Legionella is found in natural bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, streams and hot springs.
Bacteria are also found in spas, potting mixes, hot water systems, and man-made systems that use water for cooling, heating, or industrial processes, such as cooling towers.
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever, headache (often severe), chills, muscle aches, and loss of appetite.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease usually begin to appear 2 to 10 days after inhaling the bacteria.
Atypical symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion.
Who is at risk?
It is important to note that healthy people can inhale droplets contaminated with the bacteria and not become infected.
The Department of Health warned that people at higher risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease include those over 40, smokers, people with chronic lung disease, those with a weakened immune system and those with other underlying medical conditions such as chronic heart, liver or kidney disease and diabetes.
You should do if you are sick?
Victoria’s Department of Health advises that if you have any of the above symptoms and have visited or live in the Melbourne metropolitan area and surrounding areas, it is important to seek urgent medical attention.
Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are important.
Tell your doctor about your symptoms, including shortness of breath, cough, fever, chest pain, and gastrointestinal problems.
Two people have already lost their lives, including a man in his 60s who contracted the disease on July 27 before dying in hospital on Sunday (file image)
Be sure to mention if you have recently traveled or stayed in a hotel, been admitted to or visited a hospital, or visited other large buildings.
For people at high risk, including smokers or older adults, prompt treatment is critical.
If you can’t get to your GP or healthcare provider, call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24 to speak to a registered nurse and receive free medical advice, 24 hours a day.
Which is the treatment?
The main treatment for Legionnaires’ disease is antibiotic therapy.
The sooner antibiotic treatment is started, the less likely serious complications are to occur.
The duration of antibiotic treatment usually ranges from 7 to 14 days, but may be longer in severe cases or in immunosuppressed patients.
How does the infection spread?
Most people become infected after inhaling microscopic water droplets containing legionella bacteria.
Infections can be caused by spray from a shower, faucet, hot tub, decorative fountain or water feature, or by water from the ventilation system of a large building.
Victorian Department of Health It states that 77 confirmed cases and 7 suspected cases have been reported since Friday, July 26, mainly in adults over 40 years of age.
Most cases have required hospitalization, with multiple admissions to intensive care for severe community-acquired pneumonia.
This current outbreak has resulted in the highest number of cases since the deadly Melbourne Aquarium outbreak in 2000, which infected at least 125 people, of whom four died.
WHAT IS LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE?
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia that causes lung inflammation.
It is caused by a bacteria, known as Legionella.
The condition can cause life-threatening complications such as respiratory failure, kidney failure and septic shock, which occurs when blood flow to vital organs is blocked.
Most people become ill by inhaling small water droplets from infected sources such as shower heads, hot tubs, swimming pools, or building ventilation systems.
Anyone can become infected, but people at risk include the elderly, smokers and those with weakened immune systems, such as chemotherapy patients.
Symptoms usually appear between two and ten days after exposure to the bacteria.
Early signs include:
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Fever and chills
People may then experience:
- Coughing, which may produce blood.
- Short of breath
- Chest pain
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Confusion
Treatment consists of antibiotics, usually in hospital, as soon as possible.
Prevention involves meticulous cleaning and disinfection of water systems.
People can reduce their risk by not smoking, since smoking damages the lungs and makes people more susceptible.
Source: Mayo Clinic