Melbourne’s Legionnaires’ disease outbreak worsens as Premier provides new information.
Premier Jacinta Allan has issued an urgent health alert to Victorians as the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Melbourne continues to escalate.
Since the outbreak was first identified on July 26, there have been 40 confirmed cases, with numbers expected to rise further. Most of the affected individuals are in their 40s, and many are currently hospitalized.
The Victorian Department of Health reports multiple admissions to intensive care for severe community-acquired pneumonia. Additionally, six suspected cases have been identified. Investigations into the source of the outbreak are ongoing, nearly a week after the first cases emerged.
Ms. Allan informed reporters on Thursday that she had spoken with Chief Health Officer Dr. Clare Looker the previous day regarding the outbreak.
“She clearly advised and requested that I emphasize the importance of seeking urgent medical care if people are experiencing symptoms,” she said.
“This is particularly crucial for individuals with underlying conditions, or those who are vulnerable or immunocompromised, as this can be a severe illness.”
Ms. Allan mentioned that testing has identified the geographic range of the outbreak, which is in Melbourne’s north-west.
Several building cooling towers are currently being inspected.
“People who present with the illness undergo tests, which take between five to seven days to process,” Ms. Allan stated.
“Obviously, someone must first be identified as having Legionnaires’ disease, followed by further testing.”
“This is why it’s crucial to deliver a strong precautionary message to those who may have been in the broader geographic exposure area to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms that can be quite debilitating.”
The disease is caused by Legionella bacteria, found in natural bodies of water, spas, warm water systems, and artificial water systems like cooling towers. Infection occurs when a person inhales fine droplets of water containing the bacteria.
The health department noted that “most cases are occurring in individuals who are typically at higher risk of the infection, but there are also cases among otherwise active and healthy adults.”
Those at greatest risk include smokers, people over 40, and individuals with chronic lung disease, weakened immune systems, or other underlying conditions.
The disease usually presents as a chest infection, with symptoms such as cough, headache, chills, fever, and muscle aches.
Atypical symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, confusion, and diarrhea, and some individuals may also experience kidney impairment.
Anyone who develops symptoms should seek urgent medical care.