Legionnaires' outbreak in Scotland

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Aquinta S. Jordan
  • 48th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  U.K. Health Protection Agency officials have confirmed 82 cases, including one fatal case in Edinburgh, of Legionnaires' disease, a lung infection caused by the bacteria legionella.

The disease, described as a serious and sometimes fatal form of pneumonia, is contracted by breathing in small droplets of water contaminated with the legionella bacteria.

According to Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon, "Today's developments, which show a slight increase, are in line with expectations. With a 14-day incubation period, we would expect there to be fluctuations over the next week or so."

The symptoms are similar to a bad case of the flu, can occur up to two weeks after exposure and may include headaches, muscle pain, fever and chills. Treatment with antibiotics may be necessary for up to three weeks.

These bacteria are normally found in wet environments and thrive in warm water and warm damp places such as whirlpools, cooling towers and air conditioning units.

Despite the presence of legionella bacteria in many aquatic environments, the risk of developing legionellosis for most people is low. In an outbreak setting, less than five percent of people exposed to the source of the outbreak develop Legionnaires' disease. Elderly and immunocompromised travelers, such as those being treated for cancer, are at higher risk.

Exposures can occur in or near a whirlpool spa, while showering in a hotel or while touring cities with buildings that have cooling towers. Many outbreaks have been associated with exposure to cruise ships, hotels and resorts.

In general, travelers who are exposed to aerosolized warm water are at risk for infection. In severe cases, patients may have prolonged stays in intensive care units.

According to the local health protection agency there are no current travel restrictions related to a Legionnaires' disease outbreak.

If you develop signs or symptoms consistent with Legionnaires' disease, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

For more information, visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2012/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/legionellosis-legionnaires-disease-and-pontiac-fever.htm or call public health at 226-8777.