100 cases confirmed in Melbourne's Legionnaires' outbreak
<p>Authorities have confirmed that the number of confirmed cases of Legionnaires' in Melbourne has climbed to 100. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The Department of Health currently investigating the outbreak, as another 10 suspected cases being closely monitored.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“Recent weather patterns could explain the wider than usual spread of legionella bacteria with this outbreak,” she said.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>
