The origin of an outbreak of deadly Legionnairess' disease in Melbourne has been identified.
As of 9.15am today, a total of 77 confirmed cases and nine suspected cases have been linked to this outbreak.Approximately 75 confirmed cases and eight suspected cases have spent some period of time in hospital.Earlier, authorities said most of the patients were from city's north-west suburbs of North Laverton and Derrimut.Investigators visited dozens of cooling towers in the area.
Most cases linked to the outbreak are believed to have been exposed between July 5 and July 20 with symptoms starting on or after July 15.It can cause a chest infection with symptoms of fever, chills, cough, headache and muscle aches and pains and atypical symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion.It is not commonly contracted or spread and is mostly found in people at a greater risk of infection.
Those most at risk are adults aged over 40 years, especially people with other medical conditions or immune compromise, or who smoke," Victoria Health said. Legionnaires' disease is caused by its name-sake bacteria, which can be found in natural bodies of water like rivers and lakes. It can also be found in artificial systems that use water for cooling, heating or industrial processes such as cooling towers.Legionnaires' disease is an urgent notifiable condition that requires notification to the Department of Health upon initial diagnosis or clinical suspicion by calling 1300 651 160.
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