Three hospitalised with legionella
June 11, 2004

Health officials were investigating possible sources of legionella bacteria in the northern Victorian town of Cobram after three locals fell ill.

Two women, aged 66 and 78, and a 69-year-old man were admitted to hospital after displaying symptoms of the airborne legionella bacteria.

Victoria's acting chief health officer Rosemary Lester said the Department of Human Services was today investigating cooling towers in the Cobram region.

"Samples will be taken from systems close to where these people work and shop,'' she said.

Once the samples are taken the systems will be treated to make them safe,'' Dr Lester said.

He said there was no reason for Cobram residents not to go about their normal activities.

Goulburn Valley Hospital chief executive Greg Pullen said the two women were in a stable condition and doing well.

Further information was being sought from Geelong Hospital, where the 69-year-old man is being treated.

In 2000, two people died and scores fell ill from an outbreak of legionnaires' disease traced to the cooling towers of the Melbourne Aquarium.

Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria. Cooling towers and other purpose-built water systems warm enough to encourage bacteria growth are often a source of the bacteria.

Not all people exposed to legionella contract legionnaires' disease.

This year, 51 cases of the disease have been reported to the Department of Human Services.

Web Source