HEALTH chiefs have issued a warning to Irish holidaymakers over an outbreak of a “rare but serious” disease.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre issued a warning to Irish holidaymakers headed to Italy after there was an outbreak of the deadly disease in Milan.
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The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported the outbreak in Milan on August 11.
As of August 8, 49 cases of Legionnaire’s’ disease were reported and three people had died due to the illness.
Legionnaires’ disease is a lung infection that can be caused by breathing small water droplets that contain bacteria.
The Milan cases were recorded in two municipalities in the metropolitan area of Milan – Corsico and Buccinasco.
The cases range from ages 26 to 94 and investigations are underway to determine the outbreak’s source.
The HPSC issued advice to those travelling to Milan to make sure they flush showers with hot water in their accommodation before they use them for the first time.
They also advise seeking medical advice if you develop a flu-like illness with a high temperature.
The HPSC said: “Investigations are underway to determine the source of the outbreak.
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“Public health activities in response to the outbreak are ongoing to prevent transmission and emergence of new cases, including a chemical disinfection of the municipal water supply system with chlorine.
“The presentation of cases reported to date suggests a community outbreak localised to a limited area of two municipalities in Milan. Preventive control actions are reported to be ongoing.
“The infection risk is limited to persons residing in or visiting the localised geographical areas of the outbreak source.
“Advice for travellers: Make sure you flush through showers with hot water in your accommodation if they have not been used recently and before you use them for the first time.
“Seek medical advice quickly if you develop a flu-like illness with a high temperature (fever), cough or shortness of breath during your stay or for up to two weeks after return home.
“You should inform any healthcare professionals that you may have been exposed to Legionnaires’ disease and mention the area you visited.”
SYMPTOMS OF LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE
These are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, according to the HSE
Legionnaires’ disease usually starts with flu-like symptoms.
This includes:
- fever
- tiredness
- headache
- muscle pains
This is followed by:
- a cough
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- a high temperature
The HSE advise urgently seeing your GP if you have a bad cough and:
- it does not go away
- you cannot breathe properly
- you have severe chest pain
- you have a high temperature or feel hot and shivery
- you feel like you have severe flu
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Legionella pneumophila and other Legionella species.
The disease is usually caught in places where water has the potential to stagnate.
It can be caught from air conditioning systems, humidifiers, spa pools and hot tubs, showers, taps, toilets compost, potting mix and any form of soil or dirt in warmer countries.
According to the HSE, Legionnaires’ disease usually begins with flu-like symptoms which include fever, tiredness, headache, muscle pains.
This is followed by a cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain and a high temperatures.
People are advised to see a GP urgently if they have a bad cough and it does not go away, they can not breathe properly, they have severe chest pain, feel hot and shivery and have a high temperature or you feel like you have a severe flu.
Those who have Legionnaires’ disease may need to go to hospital.
Treatment at the hospital includes intravenous antibiotics, oxygen masks and a machine to help you breathe.
