There are 12 confirmed cases legionnaires’ disease in eight men and four women
aged from 36 to 76 years (median age 55 years), associated with an outbreak
in Hereford, in the west of England, close to the Welsh border (1). Dates
of onset of illness range from 8 October to 9 November. One 76 year old man
has died. Cooling towers and other aerosol generating equipment are being
sampled and treated.
An outbreak investigation is underway.
Any cases of legionnaires’ disease with onset since 1 October 2003, in
patients who visited Hereford in the 14 days before onset, should be reported
to David Kirrage, at +44 (0)1432 344344, and to the Health Protection Agency
Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre.
Figure. Epidemic curve showing date of onset (n=11)*
*dates of onset available for 11 cases.
