Legionnaires Disease

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