Health Professionals

Clinical Updates

10 October 2011                

Legionnaires’ disease cluster in Corfu, Greece

The Health Protection Agency, Health Protection Services Legionella section has identified an excess number of cases of Legionnaires’ disease in England and Wales, associated with travel to Corfu.

As of 7 October 2011, nine cases have been identified in tourists who had recently stayed in coastal areas of Corfu. Six of the nine cases required intensive care treatment.  There have been no deaths in this cluster. The exposure source is unknown but there does not appear to be an association with a single location or hotel [1].

Legionnaires' disease

Legionnaires’ disease is a bacterial infection usually causing pneumonia. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and fever; gastrointestinal upset can also occur. The disease is more frequent in the elderly, smokers and those with pre-existing lung disease or chronic medical conditions.

Legionella spp. bacteria are distributed widely in the environment. They can live in many types of water including natural sources such as rivers and streams, and in artificial sources such as water-cooling towers, hot and cold water systems and spa pools. Tourists can become exposed to the bacteria if the water systems are not properly maintained and become contaminated.

Further information about Legionnaire’s disease is available in NaTHNaC’s Health Information sheet: Legionellosis.

Advice for travellers

The risk to tourists to Corfu is low. 

Travellers visiting Corfu who develop an influenza-like illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath) during their stay or up to 14 days after their return home, and who believes they may be infected, should seek medical care for appropriate investigations and possible treatment. There are several effective antibiotics.

Advice for health professionals

Legionnaires’ disease should be considered as a potential diagnosis for cases of atypical pneumonia throughout the year. When appropriate symptoms are present, a history of travel should act as a specific prompt for clinicians to evaluate for Legionella infection.

Information for health professionals assessing individuals with suspected Legionnaires’ disease is available from the Health Protection Agency.

Reference

1. Health Protection Agency.Legionnaires Disease cluster associated with Corfu. HPR 7 October 2011; 5, 40.[on-line]. Available at: http://www.hpa.org.uk/hpr/archives/2011/hpr4011.pdf

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