Seasonal patterns of legionellosis in Saitama, 2005-2009.
Sporadic cases of legionellosis have increased in Saitama Prefecture. This study aimed  to understand the characteristics and incidence of legionellosis in Saitama Prefecture by studying the  corresponding data from Tokyo and all over Japan. We analyzed cases of legionellosis registered from  2005 through 2009 in the annual reports of the Infectious Disease Surveillance Center. There were two  peaks in the incidence of legionellosis in Japan between June and November, and a trough between  February and May every year. Similar seasonal characteristics were observed in both Tokyo and Saitama.  Proper management of risk factors-such as cooling towers and other aerosol-generating devices,  before and during the seasonal increase in these incidences-is essential as a prophylactic measure  against legionellosis.
Saitama Institute of Public Health, Kami-ohkubo 639-1, Sakura-ku,Saitama, Japan. ozeki.yukie@pref.saitama.lg.jp
Yukie
Y
Ozeki
Fumiya
F
Yamada
Akinobu
A
Saito
Tsuyoshi
T
Kishimoto
Sakiko
S
Tanno
Yosikazu
Y
Nakamura
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D007876:Legionellosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons