Environmental Investigation and Surveillance for Legionella in Aotearoa New Zealand, 2000–2020

The reported rate of legionellosis is increasing in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) with most cases community-acquired, sporadic (non-outbreak) and without an identifiable source. This analysis used two datasets to describe the environmental sources that contribute to Legionella in NZ, based on linkages with outbreaks and sporadic clinical cases, and analysis of environmental testing data. These findings highlight the need for enhanced environmental investigation of clinical cases and outbreaks. There is also a need for systematic surveillance testing of high-risk source environments to support more rigorous controls to prevent legionellosis.