Woman in 90s Dies, 60 Cases of Legionnaires’ Disease in Victoria

Those at greater risk include people over 40, smokers, and those with chronic lung disease, weakened immune systems, or conditions like heart and liver disease.

Legionella pneumophila bacteria which are responsible for causing the pneumonic disease Legionnaires' disease in a 1978 electron microscope image. Francis Chandler/CDC via AP

More than 60 cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been identified in Victoria, with one woman in her 90s dying after falling ill on July 30.

Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacteria, which can be found in water systems, including lakes, rivers, cooling towers, plumbing systems, and hot water tanks and heaters.