RSOE EDIS: New Zealand - Epidemic Hazard - 2010.02.25

RSOE Emergency and Disaster Information Service Budapest, Hungary RSOE EDIS ALERTMAIL

2010-02-25 06:38:16 - Epidemic Hazard - New Zealand EDIS CODE: EH-20100225-25069-NZL Date & Time: 2010-02-25 06:38:16 [UTC] Area: New Zealand, Northland, Northland-wide, '!!! WARNING !!! Number of Infected person(s): 5 Not confirmed information! Description: Northland DHB's public and population health unit advises that there is a low risk to peoples' health following positive results for Legionella bacteria in five patients from different places in Northland. Legionnaires' disease is a respiratory infection caused by Legionella bacteria; these bacteria are commonly found in water and soils, including potting mix and compost. It is not passed from person to person but the bacteria are inhaled from water vapour, aerosols or compost/ potting mix dust. The infection can be mild or more serious, it can be fatal. People should be aware of the symptoms of the disease, which include: Sudden high temperature and/or fever; Dry cough; Loss of appetite; headache Shortness of breath; Chills, muscle aches and headaches; and sometimes. Medial Officer, Dr Loek Henneveld says we have received five positive Legionella results to date but they do not appear to be linked or point to a single source. The most likely cause for the present increase in Legionellosis is the unusually warm, and at times humid, weather conditions. So we are sending out a broad alert to gardeners, owners of building with cooling towers and public spa pool owners. It is important that gardeners take precautions when using potting mix, such as wearing a mask to avoid inhaling the potting mix dust when they open and handle the potting mix bag and heed the warnings as set out on the potting mix bags. "We are also recommending that building owners ensure that regular maintenance of cooling towers and air conditioning systems is up to date," says Dr Henneveld. There have been no deaths attributed to this outbreak of Legionella at this time. One individual had been admitted to hospital and has since been discharged. The name of Hazard: Legionnaires disease Species: Human Status: Confirmed Posted:2010-02-25 06:38:16 [UTC] Please DO NOT reply to this message: replies may be treated as errors and result in your subscription being deleted. If you have trouble or other queries, send email to havaria@rsoe.hu RSOE EDIS is operated by the National Association of Radio-Distress Signalling and Infocommunications (RSOE), Budapest, Hungary. Because of the complexity of this system and its dependence on other systems, we cannot be responsible for delays or failures in forwarding or transmission. You're receiving this AlertMail because you subscribed for the service. To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. Contact: havaria@rsoe.hu