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Disease and Prevention Control Centers (CDC) closed several offices in Atlanta due to a potentially mortal threat emerging in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic:Legionnaire. In a statement issued at CNN on August 7, theConfirmed Public Health Agency This, "Legionella, which can cause legionnaire disease, is present in a cooling tower as well as in certain sources of water in the buildings. Get out of abundance of caution, we closed these buildings until Corrective measures are complete. "

While the legionnaire disease is rarely widespread from the person to the person, the water contaminated with Legionella-contaminated in the air, which usually comes from the bathroom plumbing, cooling towers, whirlpools. , water tanks and ornamental water characteristics - can cause epidemics of the disease, which frequently lead to pneumonia and has a fatality rate of 1 out of 10. However, the CDC explains that most people who come into contact with Legionellawill not develop legionnairesand immunocompromised individuals, people over the age of 50, current or old smokers, and those with other chronic health problems, including pulmonary diseases, diabetes or organ failure, are the most likely Adverse effects.

Leann Poston, MD, a doctor withMedical vibifiersaid that, while the complications of legionnaires may include "respiratory failure of severe pneumonia, septic shocks of a general blood infection and renal failure", for most individuals without underlying conditions. , the disease will not become a deadly threat. . "Legionella can be treated with antibiotics," says Poston. "Most people will retrieve completely."

Despite the evacuation of its Atlanta offices, the CDC was extremely aware of Legionella's growth potential during the pandemic. In May, the agency issued specificReopening tips for buildings after coronavirus, noting that stagnant water in unoccupied buildings could be the perfect breeding ground for Legionella's growth. The Agency expressly noted that hot water, when it is stagnant for a long time, can cool significantly, put it in the temperature zone very conducive to the growth of the legionella-specifically, 77 to 108 Degrees Fahrenheit.

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In addition to highlighting the growth potential of Legionella in unused buildings, the CDC has also published specific guidelines to reduce the chances of this happening. In addition to creating a water management plan before closing, the Agency recommends draining water heaters after long periods without use and adjustment that remain full at 140 degrees Fahrenheit; rinsing water systems; and clean and maintain hot tubs, cooling towers, sprinkler systems and ornamental water characteristics according to the local water treatment authority and the manufacturer's specifications.

However, Poston says that, with abundance of caution, workers should wait 48 to 72 hours after the water system is rinsed to return to any building and recommends that anyone who is to return earlier to wear. An N95 mask. And for additional means of experts to protect yourself in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, check these50 security tips Covid essentials the CDC wants you to know.