PHA Statement: Legionnaires' disease

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has been advised of a cluster of 10 cases of Legionnaires’ disease among residents of England and Wales who travelled to Corfu since August. There have been no associated cases reported in Northern Ireland.

The PHA is advising those travelling to Corfu to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Legionnaires' disease, which is a form of pneumonia. Travellers to Corfu who develop flu-like illness while in Corfu or within two weeks of their return should seek medical advice.

The range of symptoms include a flu-like illness with muscle aches, tiredness, headache, loss of appetite, dry cough and fever, leading on to pneumonia. Diarrhoea sometimes occurs and confusion may develop.

GPs have been advised to be alert to relevant symptoms in travellers returning to Northern Ireland from Corfu.

Further information on Legionnaires’ disease can be found at:

http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/LegionnairesDisease/GeneralInformation/