Wet cooling systems as a source of sporadic Legionnaires' disease: a geographical analysis of data for England and Wales, 1996-2006.

Background: The source of infection for most sporadic cases of Legionnaires' disease remains unknown. This study aims quantify the relationship between cases and wet cooling systems (WCS), a potential source of aerosolised legionella bacteria.

Methods: The study analysed data on 1163 sporadic, community-acquired cases of Legionnaires' disease in England and Wales with onset between 1996 and 2006, and 11630 postcode controls randomly sampled in proportion to population size and matched on region, age group and sex.

From development to success: the European surveillance scheme for travel associated Legionnaires' disease.

Background: EWGLINET, the European surveillance scheme for travel associated Legionnaires' disease, was established in 1987 following the identification of the disease in 1976. In 1998, the European Commission's Decision 2119/98/EC provided a legal framework for EWGLINET's operation, and its aims and objectives were formalised. Since its inception, the scheme has encountered a number of challenges which have influenced its development as a Disease Specific Network.