Legionnaires' alert at hospital

[Guest guest]

Legionnaires' alert at hospital

Melbourne, Australia*

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/legionnaires-alert-at-

hospital/2007/06/18/1182018987958.html

The Alfred hospital has detected legionella organisms in a staff

area of the hospital.

A hospital spokeswoman confirmed a positive reading was detected

late last week during regular testing of its warm water system.

" The reading was isolated to one staff shower that was used

infrequently, " the spokeswoman told theage.com.au.

" It didn't impact on any patient areas. We've had no reported staff

cases. "

The spokeswoman said the warm-water system was immediately treated

by the hospital's engineering department, which heated the water to

a temperature at which no legionella organisms could survive.

" As per normal practice, the area was closed and staff were advised

of the positive reading, " the spokeswoman said.

" They were provided with information and asked to contact their GP,

the staff health clinic or the Alfred emergency department if they

have any symptoms. "

The spokeswoman said it was important to note that most people

exposed to legionella do not become infected.

Legionnaires' disease is an extremely rare form of pneumonia. Those

who are most are those who smoke, are over 55, have chronic lung

disease and are immuno-compromised.

Early symptoms of the disease resemble those of the flu and may

include headache, fever, chills, muscle aches and pains and a dry

cough followed by shortness of breath.

The disease can also affect other bodily systems, resulting in

diarrhoea, confusion and kidney failure.

Legionella organisms are commonly found in lakes, rivers, soil,

potting mix, air conditioning cooling towers and reticulated water

systems.

theage.com.au