There has been a resent increase in cases of Legionnaires Disease in the North West. So remember to request Urine Legionella Antigen test, if you have suspicions.
- Spread: water droplets (hot-tubs, air-con, showers etc.)
- Incubation: 2-10 days typically
- Signs/Symptoms:
- Fever, chills
- Cough: dry or productive (1/3 have haemoptysis)
- Gastrointestinal symptoms – approx 1/2
- Neurological (inc confusion) – approx 1/2
- Relative Bradycardia
- Investigations:
- Urine Legionella antigen test
- U+E’s – low sodium is more common
- Sepsis bloods and CXR – as required
- Treatment:
- As Sepsis – if any Red-Flags
- Antibiotics:
- Quinolones: levofloxacin
- Macrolides: azithromycin clarythromycin
- Trust guide HERE