Epidemiology and control of legionellosis, Singapore

Abstract

To determine trends and clinical and epidemiologic features of legionellosis in Singapore, we studied cases reported during 2000-2009. During this period, 238 indigenous and 33 imported cases of legionellosis were reported. Cases were reported individually and sporadically throughout each year. Although the annual incidence of indigenous cases had decreased from 0.46 cases per 100,000 population in 2003 to 0.16 cases per 100,000 in 2009, the proportion of imported cases increased correspondingly from 6.2% during 2000-2004 to 27.3% during 2005-2009 (p<0.0005). The prevalence of Legionella bacteria in cooling towers and water fountains was stable (range 12.1%-15.3%) during 2004-August 2008.