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Abstract
Rowbotham TJ. "Legionellosis associated with ships: 1977 to
1997," Communicable
Disease and Public Health, 1998, 1:3
(Sept), 146-51
Over one hundred cases of legionnaires' disease have been linked to
ships, and ten cases are known to have died. Most of the cases were
associated with cruise ships, but a variety of other vessels were also
linked to cases. Few vessels were investigated microbiologically, and
the cases associated with ferries were exposed to other sources of
infection. Cases appear to be less common among crew members than among
passengers. To prevent further cases, ship owners, operators, and
captains need to be diligent in maintaining the water and air
conditioning systems of their vessels. Whirlpool spas need particular
care. Ship-associated cases of non-pneumonic legionellosis appear to be
rare.
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