Latest Legionnaires’ Disease Data Released
On 22 July 2014, Public Health England (PHE) released data showing a small decline in the number of reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease between 2010 and 2012.
According to the data published, the number of cases of Legionnaires’ disease contracted both at home and abroad remains under the total seen in 2010. In 2012, 306 cases were reported, a reduction from the 357 cases reported in 2010 – with around 40% of confirmed cases in 2012 associated with travel abroad.
The incidence rate across England and Wales for the 3 year period (2010-2012) was 5.33 cases per million population (pmp), with the highest rates seen in the East Midlands, West Midlands, Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
Professor Nick Phin, head of Legionnaires’ disease surveillance at PHE, said:
“For most people, the risk of developing Legionnaires’ disease is very low, but if infection occurs, it can lead to a severe pneumonia.
“Legionnaires’ disease is contracted by breathing in water containing the legionella bacteria making it vital that when cases are diagnosed, the likely source is identified quickly and control measures put in place so that the risk of further cases is reduced.”
Although the rates of Legionnaires’ disease have declined during this period, a high level of mortality remains among individuals diagnosed with no improvement over the period 2003 to 2012.
To review the full report and data please click here.
If you have any concerns about Water HygieneThe growth of bacteria in water systems is a common cause of potentially-fatal Legionnaires’ disease. Recent outbreaks of Legionella have highlighted the need for stringent water hygiene risk mana... More, the S2 Partnership’s specialist team of Water Hygiene Consultants are expert in the field of Legionella bacteria controls providing risk assessments, management systems, training and expert advice. For further information or assistance please contact us.