100 Cases of Legionnaires Disease in Victoria

Victorian health authorities have confirmed that Legionnaires’ disease has spread to at least 100 people in the state. The Victorian Department of Health noted there had been a “significant increase” in cases across metropolitan Melbourne in the past week. The majority of those who have contracted the disease have been sent to hospital, with a “number of admissions” in intensive care with severe pneumonia. “There have been 100 confirmed and 10 suspected cases notified since Friday 26 July, mostly in adults aged over 40 years,” the advisory states. “All cases have visited or reside in metropolitan Melbourne.” Legionnaires’ disease is a lung infection that is caused by the bacteria Legionella. This bacteria can be found in lakes, creeks, and hot springs, along with artificial systems like cooling towers, plumbing systems, hot water tanks, and heaters....