What do I need to know before I travel?
Public Health Scotland logo

Fit for Travel Logo

Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

Legionnaire's Disease in Spain (Palmanova, Majorca) (Update 1)

19 Oct 2017

According to a media report, the Health Ministry of Balearic Islands said the number of legionella cases has risen to 18. Fifteen cases are from countries outside Spain. A 70 year old male has also died.

Local public health have issued a number of warnings about the local water supply and they are waiting for results back from 1 hotel where a large proportion of travel-related cases stayed.

Advice to travellers

All travellers are potentially at risk of infection, the risk is increased in travellers with underlying medical conditions. Travelers staying in poorly maintained hotel/apartment accommodation may be at higher risk. Flushing through showers in hotels or institutions with hot water when they have not been used recently may help.

Travellers to outbreak areas should be advised to seek prompt medical advice if they develop an influenza-like illness with fever, cough or shortness of breath during their stay or up to two weeks after return home.