Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr Clare Looker advises that there has been an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease (Legionellosis), with a significant increase in cases notified across metropolitan Melbourne and surrounding areas since Friday afternoon.
There have been 22 confirmed, and 6 suspected, cases notified since Friday afternoon, mostly in adults aged over 40 years.
Most cases have required hospitalisation, with multiple admissions to intensive care for severe community acquired pneumonia.
Legionnaires’ disease can cause a chest infection with symptoms of fever, chills, cough, headache and muscle aches and pains. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion.
Anyone who develops symptoms should seek urgent medical care.