Description of the situation
05 September 2001
Disease Outbreak Reported
As of 4 September 2001 the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) Oslo, Norway has reported a total of 19 cases (17 confirmed by urinary antigen detection and 2 probable cases) including 2 deaths in Stavanger on the west coast of Norway.
The first patient presented with symptoms on 26 July, while the latest case presented with symptoms on 1 September. All the patients had visited a limited area of the centre of Stavanger within ten days of the onset of symptoms.
Local health authorities in collaboration with NIPH have identified several possible sources of legionellosis within this area, including a water fountain situated in a park and several cooling towers. Results from samples taken from these possible sources are pending. The fountain in question has been closed down and all cooling towers in the vicinity have been disinfected.
WHO encourages those who have information regarding possible cases in persons who may have been in Stavanger during this period to contact directly one of the following:
Preben Aavitsland (preben.aavitsland@folkehelsa.no), National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
Hans Blystad (hans.blystad@folkehelsa.no), National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway