Epidemiological Situation

In 2013, the incidence of Legionnaires' disease in Lower Normandy remained generally stable compared to previous years and lower than that of mainland France. No clusters of cases were identified in Lower Normandy. Legionnaires' disease is a notifiable disease. Each report is followed by an investigation by the ARS to identify the source of contamination and implement any necessary preventive measures. This investigation, combined with microbiological analysis of clinical and environmental strains, helps document the clustered nature of the cases and pinpoint the source of contamination. Culturing the bacteria from a lower respiratory tract specimen (sputum or invasive specimen) and sending it to the CNR are therefore essential.