Abstract
In May 2010, a cluster of three cases of Legionnaires' disease was identified in France. The results of the epidemiological, environmental and microbiological investigations allowed the rapid identification of a public whirlpool spa as the most probable source of contamination and the implementation of appropriate control measures. This investigation has stressed the need for good cooperation between partners and the importance of the molecular analysis of Legionella strains.
Highlights
Legionnaires’ disease is an atypical pneumonia caused by the inhalation of aerosols contaminated by Legionella [1]
In France, notification of Legionnaires’ disease is mandatory and the local health authority is in charge of the implementation of epidemiological and environmental investigations
The environmental team of the local health authority investigates the potential sources of contamination and collects water samples for laboratory analysis
Summary
Legionnaires’ disease is an atypical pneumonia caused by the inhalation of aerosols contaminated by Legionella [1]. Aerosol-generating devices such as wet cooling towers and water systems are well documented as sources of Legionnaires’ disease [2]. Spas have been widely acknowledged as a source of exposure in outbreaks [3,4,5]. In May 2010, three cases of Legionnaires’ disease were registered by the local health authority in a district in the north-east of France (the Ardennes). These cases had visited the same spa centre during the 10-day period before the onset of symptoms. This paper describes the cluster, the investigation and the control and prevention measures implemented
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