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Legionaries’ disease spreads this summer in the east of the United States with a mortal epidemic Kill two people and 58 others in New York.
The serious form of pneumonia is caused by Legionella Bacteria and about one in 10 people who are sick will die due to complications.
So what symptoms should people are looking for and how should legionaries disease transmit? Here’s what you need to know.
What is legionaries’ disease?
Legionaries’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia – or pulmonary inflammation generally caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infection. In the recent New York epidemic, the disease is caused by Legionella bacteria. The disease is transmitted by inhaling water or soil bacteria.
What are the causes of this disease?
Legionella Bacteria are responsible for most cases of legionaries’ disease. The bacteria is often outside but the Mayo clinic said he rarely causes infections there.
It is also possible to obtain domestic plumbing disease, most epidemics occurring in large buildings, “perhaps because complex systems allow bacteria to develop and spread more easily,” noted the clinic.
Previous epidemics were linked to:
• Tubs with eddies and whirlwind
• Cooling towers in air conditioning systems
• Hot water tanks and radiators
• Decorative fountains
• Pools
• delivery pools
• Drinking water
The infection can also be transmitted by suction, which occurs when liquids accidentally penetrate in your lungs and by the ground.
What are the symptoms?
Legionaries’ disease generally develops between two and 14 days after exposure to Legionella bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Some of the symptoms include:
• Headache
• Muscle ailments
• A fever
The second or third day, you can develop other signs and symptoms such as:
• A cough that could reveal mucus and sometimes blood. Up to 50% of patients can also have phlegm.
• Speaking
• chest pain
• Confusion
• Nausea and or vomiting
• Diarrhea
“Although legionaries’ disease mainly affects the lungs, it can sometimes cause infections in wounds and other parts of the body, including the heart,” said the Mayo clinic. The possible complications include pulmonary failure and death.
There is also a light form of legionaries’ disease known as Pontiac fever which can produce a fever, chills and muscle pain. This fever does not affect the lungs and generally clears up within two to five days.
Who is most at risk?
In most cases, everyone exposed to bacteria falls ill. But exposure means that some people run a higher risk of infection.
These people include smokers. People with weakened immune systems, those with chronic pulmonary diseases or other chronic conditions, and people over 50 are also more at risk.
Is the disease contagious?
The disease is not contagious and you cannot get it from another person, according to the Cleveland clinic.
How is it diagnosed?
A simple x -ray of a person’s chest can know if someone has pneumonia, but other tests are necessary to see if Legionella is responsible.
These include an urine or laboratory test which takes liquid lung or phlegm.
How is the disease treated?
There is no vaccine against legionaries’ disease. If you are diagnosed with the disease, you may need to go to the hospital. Medical staff may be able to give patients antibiotics or administer oxygen by a facial mask or a breathing machine.
When you show signs of recovery, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic drugs which generally last between one and three weeks.
“Any pneumonia can cause persistent fatigue,” said Dr. Ben Singer, specialist in pulmonary care and intensive care in Northwestern Medicine The New York Times. “People can take a long time to improve.”
How can you avoid infection?
The key lies in prevention. People should clean all water consumption devices and flush taps, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Buildings and devices at an increased risk of growth should have a water management program, the agency said.
Bacteria can also develop in vehicle wiper liquid reservoirs.
“To avoid the growth and spread of Legionella, use only a real windshield cleaning liquid and follow the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer, if available,” advised the agency.
