Legionnaires’ disease cluster probe launched
AN investigation has begun into a rise in cases of the potentially deadly Legionnaires’ disease in one part of Wales.
Public Health Wales has confirmed that 11 cases has been identified in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan over the past 12 months.
Legionnaires’ disease is a lung infection people can catch by inhaling droplets of water from things like air conditioning or hot tubs.
It is usually caught in places like hotels, hospitals or offices where the bacteria has got into the water supply.
Dr Gwen Lowe, consultant in communicable disease control for Public Health Wales, said: “We are investigating a number of cases of Legionnaire’s disease, and have declared a cluster centred on Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan.
“Although Legionnaires’ disease is rare, it can be a potentially life-threatening illness.
“The disease is caught through inhaling Legionella bacteria, which are spread through the air in the form of vapours or droplets from a contaminated water source. Legionnaires’ disease cannot be passed from person-to-person.”
Members of the public can reduce their risk by regularly flushing through or removing unused taps and shower heads, draining water bowsers and garden hoses if not in use, and using commercial screen washes in their vehicles.
Public Health Wales has stressed that each case in Barry has been “extensively investigated” and does not meet the definition of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak.
Officials added there is no evidence any of the cases are linked and many have individual risk factors for acquiring their infection – such as travel abroad.
However, Public Health Wales and partner agencies are advising employers to check their Legionella policies and practices to ensure they are compliant.
Dr Lowe added: “Most cases of Legionnaires’ disease notified to us are sporadic cases, but unexplained clustering does occur from time-to-time.
“We are closely monitoring this situation, continue to investigate cases and will keep the status of this incident under review.”
There are on average around 30 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Wales each year, usually spread throughout Wales.
In 1999, two people died and five needed hospital treatment after contracting the disease after eating from a buffet at the Copthorne Hotel in Culverhouse Cross.