The Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease (Legionellosis) with a significant increase in cases notified across metropolitan Melbourne and surrounding areas over the last week.
There have been 77 confirmed and 7 suspected cases notified since Friday 26 July, mostly in adults aged over 40 years.
Most cases have required hospitalisation, with multiple admissions to intensive care for severe community acquired pneumonia.
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.
Operators of cooling towers in the metropolitan Melbourne area are advised to ensure they are up to date with their cooling tower testing, servicing and auditing requirements.
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