Legionaries' disease stands through the United States - these are the symptoms
The number of cases of bacterial infection has jumped almost ten times in less than two decades.
It's not uncommon for very contagious Diseases like Norovirus , Covid-19, and the flu is increasing from time to time. But sometimes less known diseases can also bubble, including all Fungal infections to a reappearance of mainly eradicated viruses such as measles. Now new data show that legionaries' disease spreads to the United States at higher levels than ever. Read the rest to see what symptoms it can cause and why it suddenly becomes more common.
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Legionaries' disease spreads by breathing water droplets from a contaminated source.
It may not yet be a familiar name, but legionaries' disease has always become more common than it was in the past. According to the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC), it is caused by Legionella bacteria , which can be found in freshwater environments in nature. However, microorganism becomes problematic when developing in water systems built for human use, including shower potatoes and sink taps, cooling towers used in air cooling systems Central, whirlpools, decorative fountains, water characteristics and tanks and water heaters.
Bacteria can cause infection when someone breathes contaminated water droplets. It can also occur when someone drinking water contaminated by Legionella Accidentally sucks part of the liquid in their lungs, according to the CDC. In general, the disease cannot spread from one person to another.
Once in the lungs, bacteria can cause infection known as legionellosis. This includes legionaries' disease - a type of pneumonia - and a softer shape of the infection known as Pontiac fever.
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Data show that there has been an increase in infections in recent decades.
Legionaries' disease takes its name from its first cases identified in 1976 when the participants of an American Legion Convention developed a severe form of pneumonia, according to the CDC. But while cases have remained relatively rare in the years that followed his discovery, there has been an increase in the past two decades.
CDC data show that Approximately 1,000 cases Legionaries' disease was reported in 2000. But by 2018, the annual number has skyrocketed at around 10,000. The agency also estimates that cases are under-declared due to erroneous diagnostics, a study suggesting Case numbers potentially up to 1.8 to 2.7 times higher. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
There have also been several recent cases of reported cases. In one case, health officials launched a survey after two patients seemed to contract legionaries' disease after staying in a hotel near Newark Liberty International Airport last summer, CBS News reports. And a staff member of a nursing home in Cincinnati was also Confirmed to have been infected Earlier this month, local Fox Affilié Wxix reports.
But the largest group of epidemic seems to have taken place in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, where 15 people Contracted legionaries' disease since the beginning of 2023, reports public radio from Minnesota. The city now plans to chlorine its supply of water in the middle of an in progress investigation.
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New research suggests that there could be a surprising reason at the forefront.
Although the CDC suggests that the increase in cases could be partly due to better detection of the disease, new research could suggest another surprising cause. A recent study conducted at New York State University in Albany revealed that a fall into air pollution - or specifically the quantity of sulfur dioxide (SO2) present in the world - coincided with the jump in cases of legionaries' disease.
"Water droplets suspended in the air carrying Legionella The bacteria absorb SO2 of the ambient air, which can make water and inhospitable water droplets for bacteria when SO2 levels are high, "the authors wrote in their press release." While SO2 pollution decreased nationally, bacteria have lived longer in airborne droplets, increase the chances that viable bacteria can find themselves in a person's lungs. ""
These are the symptoms of legionaries' disease you should know.
The authors of the study conclude that in spite of the increase in cases, the lower air pollution has many clear advantages. However, they said that an increased awareness of the disease is becoming more and more critical in light of changes.
According to the CDC, there are several symptoms of legionaries' disease Keep an eye on . Similar to other types of pneumonia, they include a cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle pain and headache. In some cases, patients can also suffer from diarrhea, nausea and confusion.
The agency urges anyone who develops these symptoms to consult care immediately, especially if they recently used a whirlpool, spent a night away from their home or stayed in a hospital in the previous two weeks.
Legionaries' disease can be quite serious, with One in 10 people Who contracts him dying from the disease and one in four who contracts it during a stay at the hospital who dies. It is also particularly dangerous for those who are 50 or more, are current or old smokers, suffer from a chronic pulmonary disease or are immunocompromised.
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