Health Authority Warns The Public About The Life-threatening Legionnaires' Disease
COVID-19 hasn't been wiped out yet, and another bad thing is that a new disease that kills people is now spreading. The health authority warns the public about the life-threatening legionnaires' disease that killed four individuals recently. Apart from the fatality record, the disease was said to be the cause of a pneumonia-like outbreak that sickened 11 people.
Author:Paula M. GrahamReviewer:Hajra ShannonSep 08, 20224.1K Shares129.3K Views
COVID-19 hasn't been wiped out yet, and another bad thing is that a new disease that kills people is now spreading. Thehealth authority warns the public about the life-threatening legionnaires' diseasethat killed four individuals recently. Apart from the fatality record, the disease was said to be the cause of a pneumonia-like outbreak that sickened 11 people.
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. When infected, this life-threatening disease causes a high fever, cough, diarrhea, and mental drowsiness.
In addition, Legionnaires' disease spreads through the water or cooling systems of large buildings. According to the Pan American Health Organization, a cluster of cases of pneumonia occurred in the city of Tucumán, Argentina. In the statement released by the World Health Organization on Monday, all cases are epidemiologically linked to the health facility and present with symptoms of bilateral pneumonia, fever, muscle aches, abdominal pain, and shortness of breath between August 18 and 25.
Only three of the eleven affected people are actually patients at the health center, while eight are employees. Three of the four fatalities occurred in the medical field. As of Saturday, four patients remained in the hospital.
In line with the WHO statement, preliminary tests conducted at the local public health laboratory on blood, respiratory, and tissue samples from the 11 cases were negative for respiratory viruses and other viral, bacterial, and fungal agents. Dr. Rontgene Solante stated on Tuesday during a briefing that the Legionella virus thrives in indoor water systems like HVACs, spas, and pools.
Solante said:
“„This bacteria thrives in water and if persons are exposed to contaminated water like in air-conditioning systems, they can inhale this through water droplets, which will enter the lungs and cause pneumonia.
He also mentioned that there are currently no diagnostic options for Legionnaire's disease in the country. Antibiotics are effective in treating the infection. Solante recommended that high-risk people keep up a healthy lifestyle and continue taking their hypertension and other maintenance medications to reduce their risk of contracting the disease.
Since contaminated water systems can serve as a vector for the spread of the bacteria, he advises that they be regularly checked and monitored. Solante further stated:
"There should be regular checks in building water systems, especially in old pipes, as bacteria can thrive there. Even hotel showers and swimming pools can be a source of infection. "
According to DoH Chief Health Officer Maria Rosario Vergeire, the World Health Organization's International Health Regulation platform has kept the DoH apprised of any infectious disease being tracked around the world. She also mentioned that they are keeping a close eye on other surveillance units and that the Department of Health can conduct tests to see if the disease is present in the country by way of the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM).
What You Need To Know About Legionnaires' Disease
Legionnaires' disease: What you need to know
Conclusion
Because the Legionella virus killed four people and sickened eleven others, the health authority warns the public about the life-threatening legionnaires' disease. A specialist in infectious diseases said that buildings should be checked for Legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires' disease, in their plumbing and air conditioning systems.
Paula M. Graham
Author
Hajra Shannon
Reviewer
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