Legionnaires’ disease has been spreading in the Harlem area of New York City for the past week. According to the information provided by the Health Department, there are a total of 58 patients with this disease and two deaths have been reported. What are the symptoms of this disease? The Health Department gave information about the disease.
What is Legionnaires’?
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, most likely Legionella pneumophila. It is spread by a person breathing in small droplets of water contaminated with the bacteria, but sometimes from sources such as air conditioning systems, hot tubs, showers, or the water systems of large buildings. The disease begins 2 to 10 days after exposure. It is a serious lung infection.
In 1976, a large outbreak of the disease occurred at the American Legion Convention in Philadelphia, where many attendees developed pneumonia. Legionnaires’ disease is a major cause of pneumonia.
What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?
Symptoms include headache, muscle aches, high fever (up to 104°F or 40°C), cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. The disease is most common in older adults. People who smoke and those with weakened immune systems are at risk for Legionnaires’ disease. The disease is not contagious, can be treated effectively with antibiotics, and if the bacterial infection is mild, Legionnaires’ can usually be cured without treatment.
The cluster is currently being investigated by the New York City Department of Health, which has taken necessary measures for 11 cooling towers. Initial tests and results showed Legionella pneumophila, which causes Legionnaires’ disease.
Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michel Morse has suggested that anyone with flu-like symptoms should contact a healthcare provider. If Legionnaires’ disease is diagnosed and treated early, we can prevent the risk of this disease. People over 50 and those who smoke need to be extra careful. The bacteria that cause this disease are found in soil as well as in air conditioning ducts, storage tanks and river water.
