Legionnaires' disease: the wollongong experience

Australia experienced its largest Legionnaires' disease epidemic in Wollongong, mid 1987. This paper presents an overview of Legionnaires' disease followed by details of the Wollongong epidemic including areas of particular interest to the physiotherapist, with comparisons of milder and severe cases. Unlike other epidemics, females outnumbered males. Predisposing factors of increasing age, cigarette smoking, respiratory and medical conditions were found. Except cigarette smoking, these factors and initial chest radiograph involving two or more zones, were significant features of the severe group. Patients in these categories require careful monitoring. Blood gases demonstrated consistent hypoxaemia and hypocapnoea. Seventy-eight per cent of cases recorded little or no sputum and implications for treatment are discussed. Impressions and fears of the epidemic are presented and recommendations made.