{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in West Fife: review of environmental guidelines needed.
{Author}: Hyland JM;Hamlet N;Saunders C;Coppola J;Watt J;
{Journal}: Public Health
{Volume}: 122
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: Jan 2008
{Factor}: 4.984
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.puhe.2007.05.005
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>The objectives of this study were to investigate the source of and outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in West Fife in 2004; to control the spread of legionella from this source; and to make recommendations for future practice based on the findings from the investigation.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Outbreak investigation.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A multi-agency team investigated links between the cases of legionellosis using detailed interviews, movement mapping, a timeline and extensive environmental sampling.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The investigation found evidence that individuals affected by legionella during this outbreak had been in, or near (within 800 m), sullage tanks in Rosyth Dockyard within a period of 4 months.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>In the absence of laboratory isolation of Legionella spp. from the human cases, it was impossible to state definitely that a previously unrecognized source of environmental legionella aerosolization was responsible for the outbreak. However, strong epidemiological and environmental evidence would support this hypothesis.