Legionellosis Disease

Source: HT

Why in News?

Recently, a mysterious pneumonia outbreak in Argentina has been identified as Legionellosis.

What is Legionellosis?

About:

Legionellosis is a pneumonia-like illness that varies in severity from mild febrile illness to a serious and sometimes fatal form of pneumonia.

The causative agents are Legionella bacteria from water or potting mix.

Symptoms:

It included fever, muscle and abdominal pain and shortness of breath. 

Spread:

The disease typically spreads via inhalation of contaminated aerosols from contaminated water, which could come from — air conditioning cooling towers, evaporative condensers associated with air conditioning and industrial cooling, hot and cold-water systems, humidifiers and whirlpool spas.

Risk Population:

The people who have comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, respiratory problems, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or those who follow poor habits like smoking are more prone to the condition.

Treatment:

• Treatments exist, but there is no vaccine currently available for Legionnaires’ disease.
• Patients with Legionnaires’ disease always require antibiotic treatment following diagnosis.
• The public health threat posed by legionellosis can be addressed by implementing water safety plans by authorities responsible for building safety or water system safety.