Legionnaires' Disease in Spain (Update)

An outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease among residents of the Diamante Beach Hotel in Calpe, Costa Blanca was first reported in February 2012.

Cases have continued to be reported and to date, 22 are associated with travel from the UK, Spain, France and Belgium. The Spanish public health authorities continue to lead on the investigation of this incident as the exact source of the outbreak has not yet been identified. The clustering of cases suggests a source within the hotel and the investigation so far indicates the whirlpool as the most probable source of infection. 

(Via ECDC - accessed 28/05/12)

Advice for Travellers

The risk of Legionnaires' Disease for travellers to the Costa Blanca is considered to be low but is higher in those over 40 years-of-age, those immunosuppressed and smokers. Travellers to the area should however be aware that the outbreak is ongoing 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.