Legionnaires’ disease case confirmed in Townsville amid Sydney outbreak

A severe case of a bacterial lung infection has been confirmed in Townsville as an outbreak continues in NSW, killing one. Read the details.

A case of legionnaires’ disease has been confirmed in a person who may have contracted the disease while travelling overseas.

A severe case of a bacterial lung infection has been confirmed in Townsville as an outbreak continues down south, killing one.

The Townsville Hospital and Health service has confirmed a potentially severe strain of legionnaires disease was discovered in a patient in North Queensland.

Public Health Director Dr Steven Donohue said the person may have contracted the disease while travelling overseas.

“The patient has recovered following treatment,” he said.

“There have been no associated cases in the region, and it has not been linked with any known clusters.”

The disease, which is an infection of the lung or pneumonia, is caused by legionella bacteria and usually causes fever, chills, cough and shortness of breath.

A person will usually become sick between two to 10 days after breathing in contaminated water droplets or dust.

“While this strain of Legionnaires’ disease is not common, it is not surprising for sporadic cases to occur,” Dr Donohue said.

Sydney experienced an outbreak of legionnaires this week which killed one and has left at least 12 others with infections.

The legionella bacteria can grow in warm stagnant water, contaminated cooling systems such as airconditioning or soil and potting mix.

It is recommended to do regular inspections, disinfect and maintain airconditioners and plumbing systems and follow the manufactures warnings on potting mix labels when gardening.

It cannot be spread from person to person.

Legionnaires can be cured with antibiotics but for serious infections patients may need their breathing assisted using a ventilator.

Originally published as Legionnaires’ disease case confirmed in Townsville amid Sydney outbreak