Legionnaires' disease alert for Bali travellers

The Australian Government Department of Health has issued a warning to travellers who have recently returned from Bali to be alert for symptoms which are consistent with Legionnaires' disease.

Two Western Australians and one Victorian who recently returned from Bali have been diagnosed with severe pneumonia due to infection caused by Legionella pneumophilia.

Communicable Disease Control Director Dr Paul Armstrong said all three people were most likely infected in the central Kuta area of Bali.

"The early symptoms of Legionnaires' disease are typically similar to severe 'flu like' illness, and may include fever, chills, muscle soreness, headaches, tiredness, reduced appetite and diarrhoea, along with dry cough and breathlessness," Dr Armstrong said.

Legionella infections usually develop two to 10 days after exposure.

"Legionnaires' disease is treated with specific antibiotics, and while most people recover, some people may develop severe pneumonia requiring hospitalisation," Dr Armstrong said.

Legionnaires' disease most often affects middle-aged and elderly people, particularly those who smoke or who have lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease or a weakened immune system.

"We recommend that anyone who falls in one or more of these risk groups who develops flu-like illness after returning from Bali seeks medical advice, and notifies their doctor of their recent travel," Dr Armstrong said.

Legionella pneumophilia is a type of bacteria commonly transmitted by the inhalation of water droplets from contaminated warm water environments such as:

Air conditioning cooling towers in large buildings and evaporative air conditioners;
Showers and warm water systems;
Spa pools;
Misting or droplet sprays;
Fountains.

Legionnaires' disease cannot be caught from other people or from animal contact.

(Source: Government of Western Australia Department of Health)