Biosecurity

Outbreak of Legionnaires' disease across the US as new figures show a 450% increase in cases over the past 15 years

Cases of Legionnaires' disease have been appearing across the United States in the past few weeks.

Four Florida gym-goers fell ill after coming into contact with contaminated water, two hotel guests in Last Vegas contracted the lung infection and New York City police officers were warned against showering at their station due to the disease.

The outbreak is concerning because of the warmer season when people are more likely to head to public swimming pools and use the showers and hot tubs, where most cases occur.

The potentially fatal disease is a severe form of pneumonia and develops when people breathe small droplets of bacteria-infected water.