In News
- Recently, a cluster of pneumonia cases in Tucumán, Argentina was caused by legionella which is the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease.
About Legionellosis disease
- History
- Legionella was discovered after an outbreak in 1976 among people who went to a Philadelphia convention of the American Legion.
- What is Legionnaires’ disease?
- Legionnaires disease is a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Legionella bacteria.
- People can get sick when they breathe in small droplets of water or accidently swallow water containing Legionella into the lungs.
- Legionella can cause Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever, collectively known as legionellosis.
- In general, people do not spread Legionnaires’ disease to other people.
- Causes and Common Sources of Infection
- Legionella bacteria are found naturally in freshwater environments, like lakes and streams.
- The bacteria can become a health concern when they grow and spread in human-made building water systems like:
- Showerheads and sink faucets
- Cooling towers
- Hot tubs
- Decorative fountains and water features
- Hot water tanks and heaters
- Large, complex plumbing systems
- Signs and Symptoms
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Treatment
- There are no vaccines that can prevent Legionnaires’ disease.
- Legionnaires’ disease requires treatment with antibiotics and most cases of this illness can be treated successfully.
Source: DTE
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