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Legionnaire's disease can be considered as a severe form of pneumonia that can cause symptoms such as cough, chills, and high fever. The disease is spread through inhalation of contaminated steam or moisture. Legionnaires' disease is serious and can be li

Posted on 8 October, 2015 at 12:58

Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak! Importance: High :

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia — lung inflammation usually caused by infection. Legionnaires' disease is caused by a bacterium known as legionella. Legionella bacteria is usually found (often in harmlessly low numbers) in sources of water, such as ponds, rivers and lakes.

However, the bacteria can rapidly multiply if they find their way into artificial water supply systems, such as air conditioning systems. Most cases of Legionnaires' disease can be traced to whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks, cooling towers, and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems.

Symptoms usually appear two to 10 days after significant exposure to Legionella bacteria. Legionnaires' disease cannot be spread from person to person. One becomes infected by inhaling mist/water vapor that is contaminated with the Legionella bacteria.

If you have respiratory symptoms, such as fever, cough, chills and muscle aches, seek prompt medical attention. Additional symptoms include: headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion and diarrhea. Most cases of Legionnaire's disease can be treated with antibiotics. In some cases, Legionnaires' disease can lead to further, life-threatening problems. Severe infection can cause some organs, such as your lungs or kidneys, to stop working properly.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should call your doctor and ask about testing for Legionnaire's disease. Legionnaires' disease can have symptoms like many other forms of pneumonia, so it can be hard to diagnose.

Groups at high risk for Legionnaire's disease include:

People who are middle-aged or older;
Cigarette smokers,
People with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems,
People who take medications that weaken their immune systems (immunosuppressive drugs).
Recent travel with an overnight stay outside of the home
People who,recently repairs or maintenance work on domestic plumbing
People suffering with Diabetes

The best way to prevent an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease is to ensure that any water system under your control is properly maintained and conforms to relevant health and safety regulations.

Categories: Diseases