Legionnaires in Melbourne: Millions warned as dangerous disease spreads in Australian city – with several people taken to hospital

Health authorities have issued an urgent warning for a dangerous disease, after multiple people were admitted to hospital with severe issues.

Victoria’s Department of Health has revealed it is investigating an outbreak of Legionnares’ disease after a ‘significant increase’ in cases across Melbourne since Friday.

In the past three days there have been 22 confirmed cases of the disease, with another six suspected cases.

Most of the cases are in adults aged over 40, with many of them requiring hospitalisation and intensive care for severe pneumonia.

Health authorities are now searching for the source of the outbreak.

‘Legionnaires’ disease can cause a chest infection with symptoms of fever, chills, cough, headache and muscle aches and pains. Other atypical symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion,’ the health department said in a statement.

‘All cases have visited or reside in metropolitan Melbourne.

‘Those most at risk are adults aged over 40 years, especially people with other medical conditions or immune compromise, or who smoke.’

 Anyone who develops symptoms is being urged to seek urgent medical care.

Test results of those who have the disease have indicated the Melbourne outbreak is caused by ‘Legionella pneumophilia serogroup 1’ which can be detected through a unitary antigen test.

The source of the outbreak is not yet known but investigations are underway to determine where it has come from.

Symptoms can develop up to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria, which is found in potting mix and soils and often multiplies in bagged potting mix, mulch and other products.

It is also found in rivers, lakes, creeks and hot springs, as well as spas and warm water systems.

A more common source of Legionnaires’ disease is caused by a different strain of bacteria that is usually found in contaminated airconditioning cooling systems in large buildings.

Legionnaires’ disease is spread by breathing in fine droplets of water that contain legionella bacteria.

It is not commonly spread from person-to-person or by drinking contaminated water.

The Department of Health is urging anyone who lives in, works in or has visited metropolitan Melbourne and surrounding areas to seek urgent medical care if they develop symptoms.