UKHSA Legionnaires’ disease alert in England as cases reported | UK | News
People with Legionnaires’ disease normally need to go to hospital ( stock photo ) (Image: Getty)
The United Kingdom Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has shared its latest update on Legionnaires’ disease. In a new message, the government agency stressed that lung infection is ‘rare’ but can be ‘serious’, particularly for some groups of people.
The infection can be particularly serious for older adults, smokers or people with underlying health conditions, the UKHSA said in its latest update. The post shared on
The post also shared awareness of how people contract Legionnaires’ disease. The UKHSA explained: “This bacteria thrives in hot, stagnant water such as in hot tubs, plumbing systems and large air conditioning units.”
The warning comes after the UKHSA said it had recorded an increase in cases of Legionnaires’ disease in north-west and south-west London. According to the information obtained, the investigation continues Mirror.
Dr Janice Lo, UKHSA’s health protection advisor in London, said: “A common source has not yet been confirmed at this stage but we are carrying out further research with our partners which will provide us with more information.
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“Legionella bacteria are widely distributed in the environment and can proliferate in large water systems in buildings. It is important that water systems are properly maintained with regular testing and treatment to ensure that the bacteria do not proliferate and pose a health risk.”
People catch Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in water droplets containing Legionella bacteria, according to the NHS. The health service adds that Legionnaires’ disease is often caught when water supplies in places such as offices, hospitals or hotels are contaminated with bacteria. You can catch Legionnaires’ disease from air conditioning systems, spa pools and jacuzzis, infrequently used taps or showers, and humidifiers.
You can’t usually catch Legionnaires’ disease from drinking water, from other people with the infection, or from places like rivers and ponds. According to the health service, symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:
- cough
- shortness of breath
- chest pain or discomfort, especially when breathing or coughing
- high temperature
- flu-like symptoms
Legionnaires’ disease is usually treated in hospitals and most people recover fully. You should seek an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you are experiencing symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease such as:
- cough that lasts three weeks or more
- coughing up blood
- chest pain that comes and goes or occurs when breathing or coughing
- feeling short of breath
Tell your doctor where you spent the last ten days; for example, if you stayed in a hospital, spa or hotel. Treatment may include antibiotics given directly into a vein, oxygen through a face mask or tubes in your nose, and a machine to help you breathe, according to the NHS.
Antibiotic treatment usually lasts one to three weeks. The UKHSA’s primary responsibility is to protect the health of the public in England.
