Legionella cases in Westminster

We have been informed that the North West London Health Protection Team is investigating Legionnaires’ Disease cases linked to the London Borough of Westminster. The cases are clustered around three potential geographical areas (postcodes: W1, SW/WC and W2/NW8). No common source(s) has been identified as yet.

Urgent environmental investigations are in progress to identify a potential source. In addition, it is important that any other cases are identified, treated and reported promptly. Please consider this possible infection in patients working, living or visiting the Westminster area during the 10-day period prior to onset of symptoms and arrange hospital review where indicated.

Symptoms of legionella include:
• Flu-like illness with high fever
• Dry or productive cough progressing to pneumonia
• Diarrhoea and vomiting can be reported
• Confusion or memory problems may occur

You will be aware that none of these symptoms are unique to legionella and are also common to Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses. However, if Covid-19 has been excluded in a patient with flu-like symptoms (cough/fever), and they have links with the Westminster area, please have a low threshold for referring for hospital review and legionella testing.

Downloads

Letter from UK Health security agency re Legionella Cases in Westminster