Legionellosis in travellers returning from Bali

(PR.co.nz) Please find below a link to a media release issued by the Australian Department of Health and Ageing, following a number of cases of legionellosis contracted after travel to Bali.

“At this time, we’re not aware of any cases in New Zealand related to travel in Bali, but felt it prudent to alert New Zealand travellers to the fact that there has been an outbreak, and to be aware of the symptoms,” says Darren Hunt, Deputy Director of Public Health.

Anyone who has recently returned from Bali and experiences flu-like symptoms such as fever and a cough should seek health advice straight away – by phoning their GP or Healthline. Healthline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week – 0800 611 116.

The Australian media release can be found on the Department of Health and Ageing website – http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr11-dept-dept190111.

Indonesian health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) are aware of the problem and are investigating possible sources of the outbreak.

Media Release from New Zealand Ministry of Health on 21 January 2010.