Published Date: 2012-02-11 00:22:07
Subject: PRO/EDR> Legionellosis - Spain (04): (AN), hotel
Archive Number: 20120211.1038953
LEGIONELLOSIS - SPAIN (04): (ALICANTE), HOTEL
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A ProMED-mail post
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International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Date: Thu 9 Feb 2012
Source: thinkspain.com [edited]
http://www.thinkspain.com/news-spain/20755/two-new-cases-in-calpe-legionnaires-disease-outbreak
The Valencian health authorities have today confirmed 2 new cases of Legionnaire's disease connected to the recent outbreak in Calpe, bringing the total number of cases to 18.
According to a statement, French health authorities have provided information about 2 people with the disease, who stayed at the hotel in question (Diamante Beach Hotel) between January 25th and February 1st [2012].
The health authorities also confirmed that the 4 people still hospitalised in Benidorm with the disease are stable at the moment.
Of the 18 people affected, 12 are British, 4 Spanish (3 members of the hotel's staff and one tourist) and 2 French and are aged between 44 and 88 years.
The management of the Diamante Beach hotel in Calpe, where the bacterium was discovered, are carrying out a thorough disinfection of the sanitation system, as required by the health authorities and will be reopening soon.
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[ProMED-mail previously posted a report of this outbreak of Legionnaires' disease among British and Spanish nationals who stayed at the AR Diamante Beach Hotel in Calpe, Costa Blanca, Spain (see Legionellosis - Spain: (AN) hotel 20120122.1018077, Legionellosis - Spain (02): (AN) hotel 20120203.1031069, and Legionellosis - Spain (03): (AN) hotel 20120210.1037995). There were previously 16 cases (12 British and 4 Spanish nationals). Now 2 French nationals, who stayed at the AR Diamante Beach Hotel are added to the list of those with Legionnaires' disease associated with this hotel. The death toll remains at 3.
The hotel was closed at some point during the 1st week in February, 2012. As the incubation period is 10 to 12 days new cases may be expected in the coming weeks. We are not told all the countries of origin for this hotel's guests, so that citizens of other countries may be at risk.
For a discussion of legionellosis, see ProMED-mail post: Legionellosis - Spain (05): Madrid 20101115.4142. Dr Steve Berger has noted that rates of legionellosis have been increasing in Spain (http://www.gideononline.com/2010/06/12/legionellosis-in-spain/). It is not known whether this is due to increased reporting or an actual increase in acquisition of this infection.
The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Spain can be accessed at http://healthmap.org/r/14-l. - Mod.ML]