Travel associated legionnaires' disease in Europe in 1999

The European Surveillance Scheme for Travel Associated Legionnaires' Disease was notified of the highest number of cases in travellers in 1999 since the scheme began in 1987. This reflects enhanced surveillance activities and an increase in the use of urinary antigen detection for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. The scheme's extensive reporting and investigation activities are complemented in some countries by the activities of tour operators, who have been legally responsible for the health and safety of their clients since the 1996 European Commission's Package Travel Directive came into force. In recent years, the work conducted by the collaborators has helped establish good surveillance and control in sites used by travellers.