Acting chief health officer Chrissie Pickin said advice on the signs and symptoms of legionnaires' disease has been distributed to emergency departments and general practitioners in the area.
"There is no reason for residents of these areas not to go about their normal business or activities, but we are asking anyone with influenza-like symptoms, including headache, fever, chills, coughs, muscle aches and pains, to visit their local general practitioner," Dr Pickin said.
Legionnaires' can present up to 10 days after contact with the bacteria. Smokers and the elderly are at the greatest risk from the disease, while those with chronic medical conditions such as cancer, lung disease and diabetes may also face an increased risk. There have been 13 cases of legionnaires' disease this year, compared to 40 at the same time last year.
Source-Medindia
GPL/C