Related Experiment Videos
Legionnaires' disease in Ireland--a cause for concern?
A Smith1, J Cuddihy, D O'Flanagan
1Department of Public Health, North Eastern Health Board, Navan, Co Meath. alan.smith@ireland.com
Irish Medical Journal
|January 23, 2003
Summary
Legionnaires' disease, a severe pneumonia, appears rare in Ireland, with only 17 cases reported between 1998-2001. This low rate suggests significant underdiagnosis and underreporting of this serious bacterial infection.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Legionnaires' disease is a severe, multi-system bacterial illness primarily manifesting as pneumonia.
- Understanding the incidence of Legionnaires' disease is crucial for public health surveillance and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review Legionnaires' disease case notifications in Ireland from 1998 to 2001.
- To assess the prevalence and characteristics of Legionnaires' disease in Ireland and compare it to European rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of all notified Legionnaires' disease cases in Ireland.
- Data analysis of case numbers, causative agent (Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1), travel association, seasonality, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- 17 cases of Legionnaires' disease (all Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1) were reported between 1998-2001.
- Nine cases were travel-associated, with most occurring in summer; two deaths were recorded.
- Ireland's incidence rate was notably low compared to other European countries.
Conclusions:
- Legionnaires' disease appears to be rare in Ireland.
- The low reported incidence suggests substantial underdiagnosis and underreporting of Legionnaires' disease in the country.
- Further investigation into diagnostic and reporting practices is warranted.