Legionnaires from shop spa pools

An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Wellington three years ago has been attributed to shop display spa pools.

A report published in the New Zealand Medical Journal today examines a cluster of six cases of severe pneumonia notified to public health authorities in November 2003.

All of the six cases were admitted to hospital, four in life-threatening condition.

Of the cluster, three were confirmed as infected with the bacteria Legionella pneumophila - and all three were found to have visited the same Lower Hutt retail store operating spa pools on display.

The report said although it could not be categorically proven the spa pools were the source of the Legionella infection, they were considered the most likely source.

The pools tested positive for Legionella and the company's water treatment procedures were found to be below recommended standard for bacterial control.

The store was asked to empty the three operating spa pools and thoroughly disinfect all pool surfaces, the report said.

A letter was also sent to other spa pool retailers outlining the importance of adequate water treatment.

The cluster was the second time a Legionella outbreak had been linked to operating display spa pools in New Zealand.

An outbreak occurred in Auckland two years previously, affecting three people, one of whom later died.

The report recommended spa pool manufacturers provide clear information on the risk of Legionella pneumophila occurring in poorly chlorinated warm water and outline the procedures needed to avert this.

Retailers should be made aware customers and staff who walk near a poorly maintained display spa pool may be at risk of legionellosis.

- NZPA