100 cases confirmed in Melbourne's Legionnaires' outbreak
Authorities have confirmed that the number of confirmed cases of Legionnaires' in Melbourne has climbed to 100.
Since the first confirmed case on July 26th, two elderly people have died from the illness, after the outbreak was tracked back to a cooling tower in Laverton North, in the city's west.
The Department of Health currently investigating the outbreak, as another 10 suspected cases being closely monitored.
Most of the cases are in adults aged over 40 and many have required hospitalisation, with a number of cases then requiring admission to intensive care after they developed severe community acquired pneumonia.
Victoria’s chief health officer, Dr Clare Looker said authorities believe people were exposed to the virus between July 5th and July 20th, and presented with symptoms from the 15th.
“Recent weather patterns could explain the wider than usual spread of legionella bacteria with this outbreak,” she said.
Common symptoms of legionnaires’ include chills, cough, fever, headache and muscle aches and pains, while other atypical symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion.
Legionella is commonly associated with plumbing fixtures, humidifiers, air scrubbers and air conditioners but can become severe when it begins in a major water source.
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