Millions warned as dangerous disease spreads in Melbourne
Health authorities have issued an urgent warning to Victorians after multiple people have been admitted to hospital with severe symptoms.
Victoria's Department of Health has revealed it is investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires disease after a "significant increase" in cases across Melbourne since Friday.
Over just three days, 22 cases of the disease have been confirmed with another six cases suspected.
Most of the cases are in adults aged over 40, with many of them requiring hospitalisation and intensive care for severe pneumonia.
Health authorities are now searching for the source of the outbreak, as the health department said in a statement, "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."
"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."
The source of the outbreak is not yet known but investigations are underway to determine where it has come from.
Legionnaires' disease is spread by breathing in fine droplets of water that contain legionella bacteria, and is not commonly spread from person-to-person or by drinking contaminated water.
The Department of Health is urging anyone who lives in, works in or has visited metropolitan Melbourne and surrounding areas to seek urgent medical care if they develop symptoms.
Image credits: Shutterstock