Legionnaire's Disease in European Travellers Returning from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Update 1)
08 Aug 2017
Cases of legionnaire's disease continue to be reported in European travellers returning from Dubai. Since 1 October 2016 there have been 72 cases, including 2 deaths. All had visited Dubai within 2–10 days before illness. The most recent case is reported to have become ill on 18 July 2017.
Cases have been reported by the United Kingdom (34 ), Sweden (8), Germany (7), France (6), the Netherlands (6), Denmark (4), Austria (1), Belgium (1), Czech Republic (1), Hungary (1), Ireland (1), Spain (1) and Switzerland (1).
Of the 72 cases, 65 stayed in commercial accommodation (hotels or apartments) and 7 in private accommodation. The number of cases reported in the past six weeks is likely to be underestimated.
Advice to 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 see Respiratory Infections