The doctor issues the increase in cases of legionaries' disease: "Be vigilant"
Bacterial infection killed three people in an epidemic in Manhattan.
Legionaries' disease, a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella Bacteria are currently devastating from the Harlem district of Manhattan. It is believed that the cooling towers in the neighborhood have become infected with bacteria, releasing it with airlets of air conditioners, reports USA today . So far, this epidemic of legionaries disease has infected 67 people, 24 of whom have been hospitalized and three have died.
Although these recent cases are isolated in Harlem, the diseases of legionaries have increased regularly throughout the country in the past two decades. And now a doctor warns people to "be vigilant" in the face of this growing threat of public health.
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What is legionaries' disease?
As mentioned, legionaries' disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by an infection in the lungs after inspired Legionella bacteria.
"" Legionella is naturally found in lakes, streams and soil, but it can also contaminate drinking water and air systems, especially in large buildings, ”explains Cleveland clinic . "You can breathe small water droplets directly in your lungs, or water in your mouth can accidentally enter your lungs - for example, if it goes down the" bad pipe "(suction)."
In addition to water towers, the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) note that others common sources of infection include:
- Water used to take a shower (drinking water)
- Decorative fountains
- Bin
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the symptoms generally start between two and 14 days after exposure and include:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and stomach pain
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Cough blood
- Confusion
About 1 in 10 people who are infected with legionaries' disease will die. Those who are over 50 years old have weakened immune systems, have long -term respiratory disease or who live in a long -term care establishment are more at risk.
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Legionaries' disease increases in the United States
Legionaries' disease cases have been uprising Since the early 2000s, culminating in 2018 with 10,000 cases. On average, there are around 6,000 impacts reported each year, according to CDC data. However, some managers believe that the figures are under-declared because the symptoms can be poorly diagnosed as other forms of pneumonia or respiratory problems.
In 2015, a group of legionaries' disease in the Bronx became the largest epidemic in New York never died when 16 people died. Then, in 2022, five people died of the disease when a nursing home in Manhattan violated the regulation of the cooling tower, reports Bloomberg .
The New York Times explains that experts believe that the sharp increase in cases can be due to Aging water systems And inadequate maintenance, the increase in water temperatures and more tests and awareness of the disease.
"When you have really hot environments, the infrastructure does not follow," Jean Grassman , A Associate Professor at the City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health, told USA today . "People realize, whether you are talking about floods or cooling systems, they are not designed for this. The fact that there are failures is not terribly surprising."
As a rule, legionaries' disease culminates in the hottest months when cooling towers are used for air conditioning and people swim in other sources of water.
That's why Bernard Camins , MD, the medical director for the prevention of infections to the health system of Mount Sinai, said Times He is particularly worried.
"I wouldn't be so worried if it was February," she said. "But it's a peak Legionella Seizure and we see cases - that's why people just need to be vigilant. ""
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How to protect yourself from legionnaire legions:
If you think you have been exposed to Legionella Bacteria or have symptoms of legionaries' disease, consult a doctor immediately. Most cases can be treated with antibiotics.
"You can reduce your risks at home by ensuring that shower potatoes, taps, whirlpools and humidifiers are properly cleaned," advises the Cleveland Clinic. "Do not use ordinary water instead of the wiper liquid in your car."
They add that managers of large buildings should correctly disinfect water and ventilation systems.
