Health authorities in Victoria have confirmed the deaths of two individuals in Melbourne due to legionnaires' disease, a bacterial infection that has seen a total of 77 cases and 75 hospitalizations in the area. The source of the outbreak has yet to be identified, although authorities have focused their investigations on cooling towers in specific industrial areas.
The two recent fatalities were a man in his 60s and a woman in her 90s, adding to the seriousness of the outbreak that has affected a significant number of people in Melbourne. As the number of cases continues to rise, health officials are working diligently to pinpoint the origin of the infection.
Amidst concerns and investigations, the health authorities in Victoria have tested 54 out of around 100 cooling towers in the vicinity of the outbreak. They have also requested test results from operators of approximately 1,000 cooling towers across Melbourne to aid in their efforts to contain the spread of the disease. The Chief Health Officer, Dr. Clare Looker, mentioned a potential slowing down of the outbreak, pointing towards a possible neutralization of the source causing the illness.
Legionnaires' disease, caused by the Legionella bacteria, is a severe respiratory illness that can be contracted through exposure to contaminated water sources like cooling systems. Health officials urge anyone experiencing symptoms similar to a chest infection, such as fever, chills, cough, and headaches, to seek immediate medical attention, especially if they have been in Melbourne since mid-July. The current outbreak is reminiscent of a previous incident in 2000 at the Melbourne Aquarium when 125 cases were reported, marking the significance of the current health crisis.