LEGIONNAIRE’S DISEASE DETECTED THROUGH TESTING AT A HOTEL IN MAURITIUS INFORMS MTPA

BY TTT NEWS NETWORK

KOLKATA, 18 FEBRUARY 2023:

The health authorities have been informed last week that some guests who visited Mauritius in 2022 were diagnosed of legionnaire’s disease on their return home, according to Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.

Tests have immediately been carried out in the relevant hotels and the results were positive only at Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort. Prompt corrective measures have been taken by the hotel under the supervision of the health authorities.

( PORT LOUIS)

Experts have been called in to assist the relevant authorities and hotels to validate and enhance the protocols developed.

It must be recalled that legionnaire’s disease is caused by bacteria found in fresh water and contamination occurs via inhalation from water systems.

There was no human-to-human contamination.

The Ministry of Tourism and its agencies, the Tourism Authority and the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, as well as the health authorities are on standby and are closely monitoring the situation.

Legionnaires’ (LEE-juh-nares) disease is a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Legionella (LEE-juh-nell-a) bacteria. People can get sick when they breathe in small droplets of water or accidently swallow water containing Legionella into the lungs.

 Signs and symptoms of the disease are  cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle pains, and headaches. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. The symptoms also  often begins  two to ten  days after exposure. The bacterium is found naturally in fresh water. It can contaminate hot water tanks, hot tubs, and cooling towers of large air conditioners. It is usually spread by breathing in mist that contains the bacteria. It can also occur when contaminated water is aspirated. It typically does not spread directly between people, and most people who are exposed do not become infected. Risk factors for infection include older age, a history of smoking, chronic lung disease, and poor immune function. Those with severe pneumonia and those with pneumonia and a recent travel history should be tested for the disease. Diagnosis is by a urinary antigen test and sputum culture.