Australians who contract Legionnaires’ disease may experience symptoms similar to those of flu and have been advised to seek immediate medical attention.
Victoria’s Department of Health has shared the advice as the state grapples with its deadliest outbreak in 20 years.
Two people have already died, including a man in his 60s who contracted the disease on July 27 and died in hospital on Sunday.
Last Tuesday, a woman in her 90s died.
The number of cases in Victoria currently stands at 77 and Victoria’s chief health officer, Clare Looker, says the situation appears to be stabilising.
Daily Mail Australia has compiled a list of everything you need to know about the disease, how it is transmitted and what symptoms to look out for.
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is generally not transmitted from person to person.
Australians who contract Legionella disease may show symptoms similar to those of the flu and have been advised to seek immediate medical attention (stock image)
The disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by inhaling the Legionella bacteria.
Legionella is found in natural water bodies such as rivers, lakes, creeks and hot springs.
The bacteria are also found in spas, potting soil, hot water systems, and man-made systems that use water for cooling, heating, or industrial processes, such as cooling towers.
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever, headache (often severe), chills, muscle aches, and loss of appetite.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease usually appear within 2 to 10 days after inhaling the bacteria.
Atypical symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion.
Who is at risk?
It is important to know that healthy people can inhale droplets containing the bacteria without becoming infected.
The Department of Health warns that people most at risk of Legionnaires’ disease include people over the age of 40, smokers, people with chronic lung disease, people with weakened immune systems and other underlying medical conditions, such as chronic heart, liver or kidney disease and diabetes.
What should you do if you are sick?
The Victoria Department of Public Health advises that you seek urgent medical attention if you have any of the above symptoms and you live in or have visited Melbourne and surrounding areas.
Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are important.
Tell your doctor about your symptoms, such as shortness of breath, cough, fever, chest pain, and stomach and intestinal complaints.
Two people have already died, including a man in his 60s who contracted the disease on July 27 and died in hospital on Sunday (stock photo)
Please indicate whether you have recently traveled, stayed in a hotel, been admitted to or been in hospital, or visited other large buildings.
For people at high risk, such as smokers and the elderly, prompt treatment is crucial.
If you are unable to see your GP or healthcare provider, call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24. You can then speak to a registered nurse for health advice 24 hours a day, free of charge.
What is the treatment?
The main treatment for Legionnaires’ disease is antibiotics.
The sooner antibiotic treatment is started, the less likely serious complications will develop.
The duration of antibiotic treatment usually ranges from 7 to 14 days, but may be longer in severe cases or in patients with weakened immune systems.
How does the infection spread?
Most people become infected after inhaling microscopic water droplets containing the Legionella bacteria.
Infections can be caused by water from a shower, faucet, hot tub, decorative fountain and water feature, or by water from the ventilation system in a large building.
Victoria Department of Health Since Friday, July 26, 77 confirmed and 7 suspected cases have been reported, mainly in adults aged 40 and over.
In most cases, hospitalization was necessary, with multiple admissions to the intensive care unit for severe community-acquired pneumonia.
This current outbreak has resulted in the highest number of cases since the deadly outbreak at the Melbourne Aquarium in 2000, which infected at least 125 people, four of whom died.