Legionnaires disease outbreak melbourne : People have been brought to intensive care after getting a severe sickness, and health officials are still looking for the cause of the outbreak.
A “significant increase” in cases of legionnaires’ disease has been reported in Melbourne, with several people being hospitalized after getting the deadly condition.
In a Wednesday evening update, health authorities reported 40 confirmed and six suspected cases in metropolitan Melbourne and adjacent areas in the previous week.
The majority of cases necessitated hospitalisation, with several patients being admitted to critical care for severe pneumonia.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the outbreak, which primarily affects adults over the age of 40, and are checking area cooling towers and other suspected sources.
Legionnaires’ disease can lead to chest infections and symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, headache, and muscle aches and pains.
Other uncommon symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and disorientation.
The most vulnerable are those over the age of 40, those with other medical disorders, those with weakened immune systems, and those who smoke.
Anyone who has visited metropolitan Melbourne or the neighboring areas and experiences symptoms should seek immediate medical assistance.
Clare Looker, the Victorian chief health officer, stated on Tuesday that she expects case numbers to “head north”.
