"At this stage, a common source has not yet been confirmed, but we are undertaking further investigations, with partners, that will provide us with more information. Legionella bacteria is widely distributed in the environment and can multiply in large water systems within buildings. It is important that water systems are properly maintained with regular testing and treatment to ensure that bacteria do not multiply and cause a risk to health."
"The disease - a severe form of pneumonia that usually requires hospital treatment- is typically caught by breathing in droplets of water containing the legionella bacteria. It is usually picked up from sources such as air conditioning systems, showers and taps that are not properly designed, installed or maintained."
"Experts are looking at each case of the disease to have broken out this year, interviewing patients or their families to retrace their steps to find out if there is a common link, the UKHSA said."
The UK Health Security Agency is investigating an unusual rise in Legionnaires' disease cases in parts of north-west and south-west London. Specialists are working to determine if cases are linked and identify the source. Legionnaires' disease is a severe pneumonia form typically contracted by inhaling water droplets containing legionella bacteria from improperly maintained air conditioning systems, showers, and taps. The disease is treated with antibiotics and rarely spreads person-to-person. Approximately 300 cases occur annually in England and Wales. Investigators are interviewing patients and families to trace their movements and find common connections. Managers of cooling towers and large water systems in affected areas have been instructed to treat systems with high-dose chlorine to eliminate potential contamination.
#legionnaires-disease-outbreak #water-system-contamination #public-health-investigation #legionella-bacteria #london-disease-cluster
Read at www.bbc.com
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