You may have heard the latest news reports about the outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease in New York City. If you don’t know what Legionnaire’s disease is, the news probably didn’t faze you – but it will after this news story reveals that an outbreak can happen anywhere.
If you aren’t familiar with Legionnaire’s disease, let us explain what is it, the symptoms and causes of it and how you can prevent catching it.
What is Legionnaire’s disease?
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In a nut shell, Legionnaire’s disease is a severe form of pneumonia. Legionnaire’s disease is not contagious – unlike pneumonia – but can be contracted by inhaling the bacteria which causes it – legionella.
Legionnaire’s disease is more common among older adults, smokers and individuals with a weakened immune system. Therefore, if you fall into this category, you should be concerned about contracting Legionnaire’s disease. More so because if Legionnaire’s disease goes untreated it can be fatal.
Causes of Legionnaire’s disease
The primary cause of Legionnaire’s disease is a bacterium called legionella pneumophila. The bacteria, when outdoors, can thrive in soil and water and will rarely lead to an infection. Indoors, on the other hand, the bacteria can spread and multiply, mainly in water systems like AC units, mist sprayers and hot tubs. Although Legionnaire’s has the potential to infect a person in their home, most cases occur in larger building settings as the bacteria can grow and spread rapidly.
There are many ways which the bacteria can travel and infect people. Outbreaks of Legionnaire’s disease can occur due to:
- Hot tubs and whirlpools
- Cooling towers in AC systems
- Decorative fountains
- Swimming pools
- Physical therapy equipment
- Water systems in buildings – nursing homes, hospitals, hotels
Symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease
Legionnaire’s disease can present itself similar to the flu or pneumonia. Symptoms of legionnaire’s disease include:
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Cough (may have mucus)
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Confusion or other mental changes
Typically Legionnaire’s disease affects the lungs, but it can affect wounds and their ability to heal and even affect the heart.
Prevention tips for Legionnaire’s disease
In order to prevent Legionnaire disease, it’s important to lower the risk factors which make you more inclined to develop it. Support a healthy immune system and stop smoking as your first line of defense.
Because outbreaks of Legionnaire’s disease commonly occur in larger building settings, it’s up to the owners of the establishment to ensure proper cleaning practices are being carried out in the building, especially where water runs.
Related Reading:
Outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease in New York borough
According to the department’s investigations, thirty-one cases have been reported since July 10. These include two fatal cases reported in patients with Legionnaires’ disease. Health officials in the Bronx area are actively investigating these deaths and their relationship to the outbreak. Continue reading…
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Prevent pneumonia to avoid these complications
Pneumonia is a leading cause of hospitalization and death among adults in the United States. When people think of pneumonia they often associate it with bacteria, but it turns out that viruses are more often to blame. Unfortunately, neither viruses nor bacteria are being detected in the majority of hospital patients according to a study by the CDC. Continue reading…
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/legionnaires-disease/basics/prevention/con-20028867
//www.belmarrahealth.com/outbreak-of-legionnaires-disease-in-new-york-borough/
