Legionnaires’ Disease

Legionnaires’ Disease Latest News

Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City recently claimed its first life, with at least 67 people falling ill and dozens needing hospital care.

About Legionnaires’ Disease

• It is a severe form of a lung infection (pneumonia) caused by a bacterium known as legionella.
• The name comes from a 1976 outbreak among people attending an American Legion convention in Philadelphia, where the disease was first identified.  
• Legionella can also cause Pontiac fever. This is a milder, flu-like illness that doesn’t infect your lungs. 

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Legionnaires’ Disease Transmission

• Legionella is found naturally in freshwater, such as lakes and rivers. It can also be found in soil. 
• But people usually only get sick from it when it grows and spreads in man-made water systems.  
• These systems can include hot tubs, fountains, and the plumbing systems of large buildings, such as hotels or nursing homes. 
• Most people catch Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in mist or small drops of water that contain the bacteria.  
• You usually can’t get infected by drinking water that contains the bacteria unless you aspirate it (accidentally breathe the water into your lungs).
• It is not contagious, meaning it does not spread from person to person. 
• Older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and people who smoke have a higher risk of getting Legionnaires’ disease.

Legionnaires’ Disease Symptoms

• It causes pneumonia-like symptoms that start two to 14 days after exposure to Legionella. 
• Patients usually present with fever, cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, and may have gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea. 
• In severe cases, neurological symptoms (e.g., confusion) and respiratory failure may occur, and some cases may result in death.

Legionnaires’ Disease Treatment

• Treating right away with antibiotics most often cures Legionnaires’ disease.
• But some people still have problems after treatment.
• Currently, there is no vaccine available for LD.

News: ETVB