ECDC observed a significant increase in the number of cases of travel-associated Legionnaires’ disease (TALD) in EU travellers returning from Dubai during the period October 2016 to May 2017 that could not be accounted for by the increase in travel patterns from the EU.
A large outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease was reported by Portuguese authorities on 7 November 2014. This rapid risk assessment focuses on the risk for the EU in relation to this event.
In February 2012, ECDC issued a rapid risk assessment on the outbreak of travel-associated Legionnaires’ disease affecting in a hotel in Calpe, Spain. The risk assessment was updated in May, June and 4 July. In response to new investigations by the regional public health authorities, ECDC further updates its risk assessment.
This is a further update of the risk assessment posted on ECDC’s website on 4 June 2012; it is in response to eight new notifications of cases associated with a hotel in Calpe, in the province of Alicante, Spain. It contains information updated up to 4 July 2012.
ECDC assessed the risk to the EU related to the community outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Edinburgh, Scotland.
In the absence of an identified and controlled source of Legionella, there may be an ongoing risk of exposure for persons living or visiting the area, although the risk is assessed to be low for the general public due to implemented control measures.
The outbreak, which has been ongoing since November 2011 and is associated with a hotel in Calpe, in the province of Alicante, has to date resulted in 20 confirmed and two probable cases of travel-associated Legionnaires’ disease (TALD), while an additional three cases have been detected in hotel staff.
Following notification of new cases of Legionnaires’ disease, all associated with the same hotel in Spain, ECDC has updated its assessment of the risk to the EU published in February 2012.
It concludes that in the absence of an identified and controlled source of Legionella, there may be an ongoing risk of exposure to Legionella for hotel guests and persons working at the hotel.
Following notification of a cluster of cases of Legionnaires’ disease, all associated with the same hotel in Spain, ECDC has prepared an assessment of the risk to the EU.
It concludes that as the hotel has been closed, the residual risk is limited to recent hotel visitors and staff, as well as staff still working in the hotel; particularly those involved in the implementation of control measures.