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The Spanish public health authorities have reported an outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease among residents of the Diamante Beach Hotel in Calpe, Costa Blanca.
Cases have been identified since January 2012, and to date, 11 UK residents (all from England) have contracted the infection and 3 have died as a result. The hotel has been closed while the Spanish public health authorities lead on the investigation and management of this incident.
(Via HPA - accessed 06/02/12)
Advice for Travellers
The risk of Legionnaires' Disease for travellers to the Costa Blanca is considered to be low. Travellers to the area should however be aware of this recent incident and should they develop an influenza-like illness with fever, cough or shortness of breath during their stay or up to two weeks after return home, they should seek medical advice promptly for investigation.
Advice for Healthcare Professionals
GPs, A&E departments and NHS healthcare professionals have been alerted to this incident and are encouraged to consider Legionnaires' Disease in any returning traveller with signs and symptoms of the infection.
All cases in this cluster have been detected by urinary antigen testing and clinicians are advised to consider arranging this test for all suspected cases.
Scotland Specific Advice: collect samples and test in the usual way for any suspected cases which may be part of this cluster. Samples should be sent to the local lab and/or the Legionella Reference Laboratory at Stobhill Hospital Glasgow.
Please report suspected cases to Alison Potts at Health Protection Scotland, Email: alison.potts@nhs.net Tel: 0141 282 2931.
