Anyone who has been in Cheltenham or its surrounding suburbs since early May and develop a flu-like illness are being urged by the Department of Health to seek urgent medical care.
Three cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been identified in the area as of today, with the patients having been treated in hospital.
The health department is investigating the source of the outbreak by testing local cooling towers and other potential sources.
Legionnaires' disease is caused by Legionella bacteria, which are widespread in natural bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, creeks and hot springs.
They are also found in spas, warm water systems and artificial systems that use water for cooling, heating or industrial processes, such as cooling towers.
Legionnaires' disease is spread by breathing in fine droplets of water that contain the bacteria.
It is not spread from person-to-person or by drinking contaminated water.
The Department of Health has also reassured that "only a few people who come into contact with the bacteria become infected".
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Healthcare professionals are being urged to be alert for Legionnaires’ disease in patients with flu-like symptoms, particularly those with atypical or severe pneumonia.
Legionnaires’ disease is an urgent notifiable condition that requires notification to the Department of Health upon initial diagnosis or clinical suspicion as soon as practicable on 1300 651 160.
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