Victoria’s chief health officer warns Legionnaires’ outbreak likely to grow

A dangerous disease outbreak has hit one state and health authorities are warning case numbers are likely to ‘head north’.

Health authorities are warning the dangerous Legionnaires’ disease outbreak hitting Victoria is likely to escalate in coming days.

Chief Health Officer Dr Clare Looker, speaking with ABC Radio Melbourne on Tuesday, said she expected case numbers to “head north” following a significant increase in patients presenting to hospitals since Friday.

“I’ve just been speaking to the team this morning and I’m aware we’ve had a few more come in overnight so we’re expecting those numbers to head north,” she said.

“Legionnaires’ is a nasty type of pneumonia.

“People need to understand if they have visited or live anywhere in metropolitan Melbourne and they develop symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease … to seek medical attention.”

Victorian chief health officer Dr Clare Looker has warned case numbers in Melbourne legionnaires’ outbreak are likely to rise. Picture: Supplied

In the past three days there have been 22 confirmed cases of the disease, with another six suspected cases.

Most of the cases are in adults aged over 40, with many of them requiring hospitalisation and intensive care for severe pneumonia.

Victoria’s Department of Health is still searching for the source of the outbreak.

“Legionnaires’ disease can cause a chest infection with symptoms of fever, chills, cough, headache and muscle aches and pains. Other atypical symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion,” Dr Looker said on Sunday.

“All cases have visited or reside in metropolitan Melbourne.

“Those most at risk are adults aged over 40 years, especially people with other medical conditions or immune compromise, or who smoke.”

Anyone who develops symptoms is urged to seek urgent medical care.

Several people are receiving treatment in hospital for Legionnaires’ disease. Picture: NewsWire / David Geraghty

Test results of those who have the disease have indicated the Melbourne outbreak is caused by “Legionella pneumophilia serogroup 1” which can be detected through a unitary antigen test.

Symptoms can develop up to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria, which is found in potting mix and soils and often multiplies in bagged potting mix, mulch and other products.

It is also found in rivers, lakes, creeks and hot springs, as well as spas and warm water systems.

A more common source of Legionnaires’ disease is caused by a different strain of bacteria that is usually found in contaminated airconditioning cooling systems in large buildings.

Legionnaires’ disease is spread by breathing in fine droplets of water that contain legionella bacteria.

It is not commonly spread from person-to-person or by drinking contaminated water.