Legionnaire's Disease in the USA (Disneyland, Anaheim, California)

13 Nov 2017

According to media , the Orange County Health Care Agency has reported 12 cases of Legionnaire’s disease (including 1 death) in Anaheim on 11 November 2017. This total includes 9 people who had visited the Disnleyland theme park. All cases were identified in mid-October 2017. Ten were hospitalized.

Water cooling towers at Disneyland were found to contain the bacterium Legionella and were subsequently closed down.

Advice to travellers

All travellers in an area where legionnaire's disease occurs are potentially at risk of infection. The risk is increased in travellers with underlying medical conditions. Travellers 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 prevent exposure to infection.

Travellers are 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.