by THREE people have died after being diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease during an outbreak in Milan.
Italian health authorities are frantically searching for the source of the infection, which they believe could be in the water supply.
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About 90 percent of people who Legionella Bacteria that are also found in swimming pools and air conditioning systems do not develop symptoms.
However, in up to 15 percent of those affected, the disease can be severe and lead to life-threatening pneumonia.
At least 49 cases of the disease have been registered in the Lombardy region, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). According to the ECDC, these figures are as of August 8.
The outbreak began on April 11, when the first case reported symptoms.
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All cases are between the ages of 26 and 94, with 28 women and 21 men affected.
The majority (45) had an underlying medical condition that put them at higher risk of severe disease.
About 12 of the 49 confirmed cases are still in hospitals and three have died, according to the ECDC.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common form of transmission is inhalation of infected water spray, jet or mist from contaminated water sources.
To prevent further cases, authorities are checking cooling towers in the region and cleaning water systems with chlorine.
Legionella bacteria can build up in showers and taps that have not been used for several days. That is why some experts advise holidaymakers to let taps and showers run before using them.
About half of the 300 Britons who become infected with Legionnaires’ disease each year become infected abroad, according to the Legionella and Fire Safe website.
What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?
You should look out for these symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease:
- A cough
- Breathing difficulties
- Chest pain
- A high temperature
- Flu-like symptoms
If you have been diagnosed with the virus, you may need to go to the hospital.
You should call NHS 111 if you are having trouble breathing, have chest pains or feel like you have a bad bout of flu.
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How to protect yourself from Legionnaires’ disease while on holiday
Going on holiday? Here are some practical tips from the NHS to help you avoid Legionnaires’ disease:
- Choose a property with good cleanliness ratings, especially for water features like pools and hot tubs. It’s worth checking to see if they follow strict water care practices.
- As soon as you arrive, let the hot water run in your shower for a few minutes to rinse out any standing water that could be hiding bacteria.
- Stick to bottled water, especially in places where the water quality is questionable. And if you’re not sure about the ice, skip it!
- If you experience symptoms such as cough, fever or shortness of breath after using hotel facilities, do not ignore them. Seek medical attention immediately.
- Don’t hesitate to ask your hotel about water system maintenance – a little peace of mind goes a long way to making your vacation stress-free!
