Home / Health / London Legionnaires' Outbreak: Health Alert Issued
London Legionnaires' Outbreak: Health Alert Issued
8 Mar
Summary
- UK health officials investigate a cluster of Legionnaires' disease cases in London.
- Legionnaires' is a severe pneumonia caused by inhaling bacteria from water.
- The public health risk is considered low due to limited person-to-person transmission.
A cluster of Legionnaires' disease cases in north and southwest London is currently under investigation by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Specialists are working to determine if these cases are connected and to pinpoint their origin. Legionnaires' disease, a severe pneumonia, is contracted by inhaling water droplets containing Legionella bacteria, often from poorly maintained water systems like air conditioning or showers.
The risk to the general public is considered low because the disease is not usually transmitted from person to person. UKHSA London's health protection consultant, Janice Lo, stated that while a common source hasn't been confirmed, investigations are ongoing with partners to gather more information. She emphasized the importance of proper maintenance and testing of water systems to prevent bacterial multiplication.
Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease resemble a flu-like illness, including muscle aches, tiredness, headaches, dry cough, and fever. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to contact NHS 111 or their GP. The disease is treatable with antibiotics. Past incidents include asylum seekers being removed from a barge in Dorset in 2023 due to Legionella found in its water system, and two British holidaymakers dying from the disease after a stay in Bulgaria in 2019.
