A woman in her 90s has died amid the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Victoria.
The woman was hospitalised on Tuesday after falling ill.
There are 60 confirmed cases of the disease in the state, with Victorian chief health officer Clare Looker telling media on Friday 59 people had been hospitalised.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The National Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:
Authorities believe the outbreak is linked to a cooling tower in the Laverton North and Derrimut area.
Dr Looker said most of the cases linked to the outbreak were were exposed between July 5 and 20.
“They have presented with symptoms that started on or after the 15th of July,” she said.
“Recent weather patterns could explain the wider than usual spread of Legionella bacteria with this outbreak.
“That’s why we’re urging people with symptoms to seek medical advice immediately, especially if you have been in metropolitan Melbourne prior to being unwell.”
Legionnaires’ disease is an uncommon, but not particularly rare form of pneumonia which is caused by inhaling the Legionella bacteria.
Symptoms include a cough and fever, but in some patients can cause serious symptoms which require respiratory support.
The disease can only be contracted via exposure and not through transmission of those with the disease.
There is no vaccination for Legionnaires’ but can be treated with a specific form of antibiotics.