Deadly outbreaks of legionary disease infected 58 people and killed two, health officials confirmed. Legionella bacteria are spreading by contaminated water systems such as cooling towers, whirlpools and plumbing.
What is the legionnaires about?
This reflects recent clusters in New York, where 1 died and 22 fell ill after exposure to contaminated aerosols in Harlem. Bacteria thrive in warm water (20 ° – 50 ° C/68 ° – 122 ° F) and enter the lungs when people inhale fog or steam from infected sources.
Although it is not contagious among people, it can cause severe pneumonia. This disease was first identified in 1976 after the outbreak of the US Convention on Legion in Philadelphia, where 29 participants died.
Legionnaires’ strikes everyday water sources: air -conditioning units, showers, fountains and even tanks for wipers of the car when they are filled with ordinary water. If these systems are not properly cleaned, bacteria multiply and spread in droplets. Hospital patients face a special risk if contaminated water enters the lungs during procedures.
What are the visible symptoms?
Symptoms occur 2-10 days after exposure and begin with fever, muscle pain and headaches. Within a few days cough, shortness of breath, chest pain and confusion. Unlike milder “pontiac fever” (influential form of legionelosis), legionnaires attack the lungs and require urgent antibiotics. Without treatment, this can be fatal in 5-30% of cases.
Seniors, smokers and people with a weak immune system are the most vulnerable. The data shows that 75-80% of cases hit those over 50 years, with 60-70% of infections. Basic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease or cancer are dramatically increased risk.
The health department urges risky groups with symptoms similar to the flu-especially cough, fever or breathing problems to immediately seek care. The diagnosis requires urine or mucus tests because X -rays cannot distinguish it from other pneumonia.
Prevention of outbreaks depends on water safety plans: hot water tanks should be maintained above 60 ° C (140 ° F) and cold water below 20 ° C (68 ° F) to stop the growth of bacteria. Cooling towers and pipes need regular cleaning, disinfection and weekly flushing to prevent standing water.
Builders are recommended to install drift eliminators and use corrosion inhibitors. At home, clean shower heads and avoid windshield wiper liquid. Although there is no vaccine, the recent NYC outbreaks were included in testing all cooling towers and by ordering remediation within 24 hours for positive results.
(Tagstotranslate) Legionnaires
