Authorities at the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane have contacted around 1,400 former patients in the wake of rising concern over the latest outbreak of Legionnaires' disease.

So far, the disease has claimed the life of one 60-year-old man who died in the hospital on Sunday, while another patient, a 46-year-old woman, is now being given intensive care at Wesley.

No official finding has been released yet by hospital officials as to the cause of the disease, but they have discovered bacteria in the hot water system of the hospital's east wing.

At present, the hospital is not admitting patients and has suspended medical procedures such as surgeries. The emergency room is likewise unavailable.

As a precautionary measure, patients have been handed washing kits and are advised not to take a shower.

Operators of the hospital expect difficulty in contacting all 1,400 patients who were admitted since May 25.

"We are trying to get into contact with 1,400 former patients who have been in the hospital during the incubation period," said Richard Royce, executive director of United Care Health.

He said that the incubation period may be between 2 and 10 days from the patient's inhalation of the bacteria until the full development of the illness.

"We have taken a slightly longer period than that to be extra cautious."

WHAT IS LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE?

It is a type of pneumonia that is caused by bacteria. Patients usually contract the disease by breathing in mist from water containing the bacteria. The mist may come from showers, air-conditioning units, or hot tubs. The bacteria can't be passed from person to person.

Common symptoms of Legionairres' disease include high fever chills, cough, and in some cases, muscle and headache. Since it shares similar symptoms with other types of pneumonia, it is best to undergo a chest x-ray to diagnose the specific type of disease. The kind of bacteria causing Legionnaires' disease can also be detected through laboratory tests.

Since exposure to the bacteria doesn't necessarily mean instant contraction of the disease, those who are likely to get it are being forewarned. They are those:

  • Above 50 years old
  • Smokers
  • Suffering from chronic lung disease
  • Having a weak immune system

According to medical experts, Legionnaires' can be life threatening, but since it is bacterial in nature, it can be overcome through antibiotic treatment.