Health authorities are warning travellers to Bali to be mindful of the potentially fatal Legionnaires’ disease after six West Australians came down with the illness.
The Victorian Health Department issued the warning today, confirming four cases of the disease in the state.
Of the six West Australian cases, the Department said five had been reported since mid-December and one person suffered the disease between August and December.
All 10 people had recently returned from trips to Kuta in Bali.
The incubation period of the disease varies between two and 10 days in length.
It is contracted when a person breathes in the legionella pneumophilia bacteria found in contaminated water droplets, causing a bout of severe pneumonia.
Some sufferers could also experience muscle aches, tiredness, a loss of appetite, headache and diarrhoea. While most people recover from the illness the disease has the potential to be deadly.
Those most at risk are aged over 50, smokers and anyone whose immune systems are suppressed by medications, those with kidney failure, cancer or diabetes.
The bacteria typically contaminates air conditioning cooling towers, whirlpool spas and shower heads.
Health authorities are warning travellers to Bali to be mindful of the potentially fatal Legionnaires’ disease after six West Australians came down with the illness.
The Victorian Health Department issued the warning today, confirming four cases of the disease in the state.
Of the six West Australian cases, the Department said five had been reported since mid-December and one person suffered the disease between August and December.
All 10 people had recently returned from trips to Kuta in Bali.
The incubation period of the disease varies between two and 10 days in length.
It is contracted when a person breathes in the legionella pneumophilia bacteria found in contaminated water droplets, causing a bout of severe pneumonia.
Some sufferers could also experience muscle aches, tiredness, a loss of appetite, headache and diarrhoea. While most people recover from the illness the disease has the potential to be deadly.
Those most at risk are aged over 50, smokers and anyone whose immune systems are suppressed by medications, those with kidney failure, cancer or diabetes.
The bacteria typically contaminates air conditioning cooling towers, whirlpool spas and shower heads.