A potentially fatal lung disease known as Legionnaires' disease has been detected in two areas of London, United Kingdom, prompting an investigation by health authorities.
Experts from the UK Health Security Agency are working to determine whether the clusters of infections are connected and to identify the possible source of the outbreak. Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila. The illness is contracted by inhaling tiny droplets of water that contain the bacteria.
The bacteria are commonly found in water systems and can spread through sources such as air-conditioning units, humidifiers, hot tubs, taps and showers that are not used frequently. Although most cases appear as isolated infections, the UKHSA says outbreaks can occur under certain conditions.
The disease is typically treated with antibiotics, and most patients recover fully after several weeks of treatment. Health officials say about 300 cases of Legionnaires’ disease are usually recorded each year in England and Wales.
Janice Lo, a health protection consultant with UKHSA London, said investigations are ongoing to determine whether the cases share a common source. “At this stage, a common source has not yet been confirmed, but we are undertaking further investigations, with partners, that will provide us with more information,” she said.
Lo also warned that Legionella bacteria are widely present in the environment and can multiply in large building water systems if they are not properly maintained.
“Legionella bacteria are widely distributed in the environment and can multiply in large water systems within buildings. It is important that water systems are properly maintained with regular testing and treatment to ensure that bacteria do not multiply and cause a risk to health,” she said.
Symptoms of the disease include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain when breathing or coughing, high fever, headaches, muscle aches and other flu-like symptoms. Health authorities advise anyone experiencing these symptoms to contact NHS through NHS 111 or consult their general practitioner for medical advice.
Several notable Legionnaires’ disease cases have occurred in the UK in recent years. In 2023, dozens of asylum seekers were evacuated from the Bibby Stockholm after Legionella bacteria were discovered in the water system.
In another incident, an inmate at HMP Lincoln died after contracting the disease, with water samples from the prison later testing positive for Legionella bacteria. A company responsible for services at the prison was subsequently fined £600,000 over health and safety failures.
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