An unusually high number of Legionnaires’ disease cases are being investigated in parts of London as specialists attempt to determine the source of the outbreaks.
The UK Health Security Agency is looking into 17 news cases reported in the past month and said it was trying to figure out whether the cases tied to northwest and southwest London are linked.
Legionnaires’ disease can be serious and is a lung infection caused by inhaling droplets of water containing legionella bacteria through sources like air conditioning systems, humidifiers, or hot tubs, according to the NHS.
Dr Janice Lo, a consultant in health protection at UKHSA London, said: “The number of reported cases is unusually high for this time of the year, and we are working to understand whether these cases are linked and to identify any potential common source(s) for public health action.
“As a precautionary measure, local authorities have begun instructing the duty holders of cooling towers and large water systems in the relevant areas to urgently shock dose their systems, a highly effective, standard control measure that immediately neutralises any potential bacteria while our investigations continue.”
She added: “Legionella bacteria are widely distributed in the environment and can multiply in large water systems within buildings. It is important that water systems are properly maintained with regular testing and treatment to ensure that bacteria do not multiply and cause a risk to health.”
The majority of cases of legionnaires’ disease are isolated, and around 300 cases are reported across England and Wales each year. It usually affects people over 50, and men are most vulnerable, UKHSA said.
It is not likely to be passed through drinking water that contains the bacteria, or from other people who are infected; however, poorly designed showers or taps can also be a common source for the disease to be picked up.
People are most prone to getting legionnaires’ disease in places like offices, hospitals, or hotels, where bacteria can get into the water supply.
Symptoms of the disease include a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, a high temperature, or flu-like symptoms.
It is routinely treated with antibiotics, and anyone who is coughing up blood, is feeling short of breath, or has a cough that lasts for more than three weeks should contact their GP or 111 for advice.
