Group 11

Legionnaire’s Disease

Donna, Helen, Luke, Mani, Martin, Riley

Technical knowledge

• Legionella gram-negative bacteria found in stagnant water and soil

• Spreads via dust or aerosols• Infection varies from mild symptoms

(Pontiac fever) to severe pneumonia• 178 NZ cases (and 5 deaths) in 2010 • Older people, smokers and immune

compromised are at risk

Practical knowledge

• Testing for Legionella includes culture, blood tests and urine tests

• Effective antibiotics includes erythromycin and tetracycline

• Proper water treatment and storage can prevent breeding grounds for Legionella

Emancipatory knowledge

• Avoid smoking• Keep water sources disinfected, and water

temperatures between 20°C and 60°C • Take care when opening plant soil or compost;

avoid stirring up or inhaling dust, dampen the soil before use, and wear a dust mask

References• Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS). (Unknown??).

Fact sheet - Legionellosis. Retrieved from: http://www.arphs.govt.nz

• Graham, F.F., White, P.S., Harte, D.J.G. & Kingham, S.P. (2012). Changing epidemiological trends of legionellosis in New Zealand, 1979-2009. Epidemiology & Infection, 140(8) 1481-96. doi:10.1017/S0950268811000975.

• New Zealand Herald. (2010). Report uncovers soaring legionnaires' disease numbers. Retrieved from: http://www.nzherald.co.nz.

• New Zealand Herald. (2012). Auckland’s Legionnaires disease outbreak over. Retrieved from: http://www.nzherald.co.nz.