Legionnaire’s disease

Why in news?

 

• Migrants are removed from the Bibby Stockholm barge after traces of the bacteria causing Legionnaire’s disease were found in the onboard water system.

 

Key facts about Legionnaire’s disease: 

• It is a severe form of pneumonia — lung inflammation usually caused by infection.
• It's caused by a bacterium known as legionella.
• This bacterium is found in lakes and ponds, but they can also develop in tanks and other water systems.
• Transmission: The most common form of transmission of Legionella is inhalation of contaminated aerosols from contaminated water. 
• Symptoms: The main symptoms are fever, chills, headache, malaise and muscle pain (myalgia).
• Treatment: Treatments exist, but there is no vaccine currently available for Legionnaires’ disease.

 

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Q1) What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lungs characterized by the presence of fluid or pus in the air sacs (alveoli). It is usually caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, and in some cases, it can be a result of inhaling irritants into the lungs.

Source: What are Legionella bacteria? Know how they forced UK govt remove migrants from Bibby Stockholm barge.