Clinical Updates
7 September 2011
Legionnaires’ disease: Lazise, Province of Verona, Italy
The European Legionnaires’ Disease Surveillance Network (ELDSNet) has been notified of 11 cases of travel related Legionnaires’ disease in travellers who had visited the town of Lazise, Italy. Cases have been reported in tourists from Austria (1), Denmark (1) Italy (4) and the Netherlands (5). The affected people had stayed at four separate locations in the Lazise area between 7 July and 31 August 2011. Local authorities are investigating the outbreak and public health measures to reduce the risk of further cases have been implemented [1].
Advice for travellers
Legionella spp. bacteria are distributed widely in the environment. They can live in many types of water including artificial sources that have not been properly cleaned and maintained such as water cooling towers, hot and cold water systems and spa pools, and natural sources such as rivers and streams. When tourists become exposed to the bacteria they can develop an uncommon form of pneumonia, called Legionnaires’ disease, with symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, and headache. Vomiting and diarrhoea can also occur.
Travellers with an influenza-like illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath) who believe they have been infected should seek medical care for appropriate investigations and treatment with antibiotics; they should also mention their travel history. Further information about Legionnaires’ disease is available in NaTHNaC’s Health Information sheet: Legionellosis.
Advice for health professionals: returned travellers
Legionnaires’ disease should be considered as a potential diagnosis for cases of atypical pneumonia throughout the year. A history of travel should act as a specific prompt for clinicians to evaluate for Legionella infection when appropriate symptoms are present.
Information for health professionals assessing individuals with suspected Legionnaires’ disease is available from the Health Protection Agency.
References
1. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Epi update on Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Lazise, Italy, July-August 2011. [Accessed 7 September, 2011] Available at: http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/activities/sciadvice/Lists/ECDC%20
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Links
European Legionnaires’ Disease Surveillance Network (ELDSNet)
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