Low Risk Legionella Alert for Northland

Northland DHB's public and population health unit advises that there is a low risk to peoples' health following positive results for Legionella bacteria in five patients from different places in Northland.

Legionnaires' disease is a respiratory infection caused by Legionella bacteria; these bacteria are commonly found in water and soils, including potting mix and compost.  It is not passed from person to person but the bacteria are inhaled from water vapour, aerosols or compost/ potting mix dust. The infection can be mild or more serious, it can be fatal.  People should be aware of the symptoms of the disease, which include:

• Sudden high temperature and/or fever;
• Dry cough;
• Loss of appetite; headache
• Shortness of breath;
• Chills, muscle aches and headaches; and sometimes.

Medical Officer, Dr Loek Henneveld says we have received five positive Legionella results to date but they do not appear to be linked or point to a single source. The most likely cause for the present increase in Legionellosis is the unusually warm, and at times humid, weather conditions.  So we are sending out a broad alert to gardeners, owners of buildings with cooling towers and public spa pool owners.

It is important that gardeners take precautions when using potting mix, such as wearing a mask to avoid inhaling the potting mix dust when they open and handle the potting mix and heed the warnings as set out on the potting mix bags.

"We are also recommending that building owners ensure that regular maintenance of cooling towers and air conditioning systems is up to date," says Dr Henneveld.

There have been no deaths attributed to this outbreak of Legionella at this time.  One individual had been admitted to hospital and has since been discharged.

 Legionnaires Disease Fact Sheet 50.79 Kb

Ends.

For further information, please contact:
Fleur King, Public Relations Manager
Northland District Health Board 
Phone (09) 430 4101 ext 3315