Legionnaires' Disease in the UK: Mortality, Outbreaks, and Prevention

Notifiable Disease

In the UK, Legionnaires' disease is classified as a notifiable disease, requiring healthcare providers to report all cases to Public Health England.

Mortality Statistics

According to Public Health England:

• In 2019, there were 33 deaths attributed to Legionnaires' disease in the UK, up from 29 deaths in 2018.
• The mortality rate among reported cases is approximately 6%, highlighting the severity of the disease, particularly in individuals with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems.

Impact of Legionnaires' Disease

Legionnaires' disease can be severe and potentially fatal, necessitating stringent measures to prevent the growth and spread of Legionella bacteria in water systems.

Outbreaks in the UK

Several significant outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease have occurred in the UK:

• In 2002, an outbreak in Barrow-in-Furness resulted in seven deaths and 172 cases of the illness.

Trend of Legionnaires' Disease in the UK

Overall, the incidence of Legionnaires' disease in the UK has increased in recent years, underscoring the importance of effective measures to manage the risk of Legionella in water systems.