Legionnaire's disease, Group 11, Nursing 301, NZ

1. Group 11
Legionnaire’s Disease
Donna, Helen, Luke, Mani, Martin, Riley

2. Technical knowledge
• Legionella gram-negative bacteria found in
stagnant water and soil
• Spreads via dust or aerosols
• Infection varies from mild symptoms
(Pontiac fever) to severe pneumonia
• 178 NZ cases (and 5 deaths) in 2010
• Older people, smokers and immune
compromised are at risk

3. Practical knowledge
• Testing for Legionella includes culture, blood
tests and urine tests
• Effective antibiotics includes erythromycin and
tetracycline
• Proper water treatment and storage can
prevent breeding grounds for
Legionella

4. Emancipatory knowledge
• Avoid smoking
• Keep water sources disinfected, and water
temperatures between 20°C and 60°C
• Take care when opening plant soil or compost;
avoid stirring up or inhaling dust, dampen the
soil before use, and wear a dust mask

5. References
• Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS). (Unknown??).
Fact sheet - Legionellosis. Retrieved from:
http://www.arphs.govt.nz
• Graham, F.F., White, P.S., Harte, D.J.G. & Kingham, S.P. (2012).
Changing epidemiological trends of legionellosis in New Zealand,
1979-2009. Epidemiology & Infection, 140(8) 1481-96.
doi:10.1017/S0950268811000975.
• New Zealand Herald. (2010). Report uncovers soaring
legionnaires' disease numbers. Retrieved from:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz.
• New Zealand Herald. (2012). Auckland’s Legionnaires disease
outbreak over. Retrieved from: http://www.nzherald.co.nz.