Any new or exotic disease is sure to catch the headlines and usually, of course, cause worry and concern.
Legionnaires’ disease is no exception. It sounds exotic and conjures up thoughts of desert sands and waving palm trees.
It is now well known in Australia because of recent publicity, yet it is rare and poses little threat to the community.
In 1976, in Philadelphia, the American Legion held a conference. This is an organisation of ex-servicemen, similar to our RSL.
Initially, the cause of their illness was obscure. Poisoning by food or some other agent, was suspected.
We now know what they had was Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia, or infection of the lung.
Of course, the American Legion is not happy with the name.
And I suppose, had this illness first occurred in Australia under similar circumstances, our ex-servicemen would not be happy if it was known as the “RSL disease.”
*482/71/1*
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