Legionnaires' disease at Japanese hot spring in Mihara, Japan.

An outbreak of legionnaires’ disease has involved 40 confirmed cases, 37 of whom have been hospitalized and 1 has died. The source of these infections was an onsen (Japanese hot spring) in Mihara in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The onsen was closed on March 21st.

Advice

Legionnaires Disease usually occurs following exposure to warm water aerosols since the bacteria are inhaled through water droplets in water sprays or mists. Exposure can occur in or around hot tubs, showers, or from air conditioning systems in buildings with poorly maintained cooling towers.

Travellers who develop serious respiratory symptoms after being in air conditioned buildings or other environments that generate sprays in the outbreak area should seek medical care as soon as possible.