Legionnaire's Disease in United Arab Emirates
23 Dec 2016
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have reported
an increase in cases of Legionnaires’ disease among EU travellers associated with travel to Dubai. As of 21 December 26 cases have been reported with onset of illness since 1 October 2016. The United Kingdom has reported 12 cases of these cases.
Cases continue to be reported following travel to Dubai, with onset in recent weeks, indicating that there is potentially a persistent common source of Legionella exposure to these cases.
Advice for Travellers
All travellers are potentially at risk of infection, the risk is increased in travellers with underlying medical conditions. Travelers staying in poorly maintained hotel/apartment accommodation may be at higher risk. Flushing through showers in hotels or institutions with hot water when they have not been used recently may help.
Travellers to outbreak areas should be advised to seek prompt medical advice if they develop an influenza-like illness with fever, cough or shortness of breath during their stay or up to two weeks after return home.
For further information on Legionnaires' disease see: Respiratory Infections