|
Legionellosis in Washington
State
During recent years, between
7 and 25 cases have been reported annually. Outbreaks in the US have been associated with sources of
aerosolized warm water, including air conditioner cooling
towers, building and cruise ship water systems, hot spas,
fountains, hot tubs, medical respiratory devices, humidifiers,
showers, and sinks.
Purpose of Reporting and
Surveillance
- To identify sources of
transmission (e.g., contaminated water source) and prevent
further transmission from such a source.
- To identify outbreaks and educate potentially exposed
persons about signs and symptoms of disease, thereby
facilitating early diagnosis and
treatment.
Legal Reporting Requirements
-
Health care providers: notifiable to
local health jurisdiction within 3 work days
-
Hospitals: notifiable to local health
jurisdiction within 3 work days
-
Laboratories: no requirements for
reporting; specimen submission is not required
-
Local health
jurisdictions: notifiable to the Washington State
Department of Health (DOH) Communicable Disease
Epidemiology Section (CDES) within 7 days of case
investigation completion or summary information required
within 21 days
Last
update
July 2008 |
|
