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Legionellosis is just a bacterial disease which might cause pneumonia. Most cases arise as single isolated events. Episodes are relatively rare.

How come it called legionellosis?

An outbreak with this condition in Philadelphia in 1976, generally among people attending circumstances convention of the American Legion, generated the title "Legionnaires' Disease." Consequently, the bacterium evoking the illness was named Legionella pneumophila and the title of the illness was changed to legionellosis.

Is this a brand new disease?

No. The bacterium was discovered in 1976, but earlier cases have now been established as far back as 1947.

How prevalent is legionellosis?

It is estimated that about 25,000 people create legionellosis in the United States each year. One more not known number are infected with the Legionella bacterium and have mild symptoms or no infection at all. Cases occur sporadically and in outbreaks. Outbreaks occur most often in the summer but cases occur throughout the year.

How significant may be the condition?

Legionellosis can be a mild respiratory infection or it can be serious enough to cause death. From 10 to 40 percent of healthy people have antibodies showing previous contact with the patient, but merely a small percentage have a history of previous pneumonia.

Where are Legionella found?

Legionella occur naturally in water and moist soil. They've been found in streams and ponds, hot and cold water taps, hot water tanks, water in air conditioning cooling towers and evaporative condensers, and earth at excavation sites.

How is legionellosis spread?

The condition appears to be spread through the air from a soil or water supply. All studies currently show that person-to-person spread does not occur.

Who gets legionellosis?

Individuals of any age could possibly get legionellosis but the condition usually affects seniors. People with underlying illnesses such as cancer or those with decreased defense mechanisms resistance to infection may also be at higher risk. It rarely occurs in otherwise healthy people.

What're the most common symptoms of legionellosis?

Early outward indications of legionellosis may be flu-like with muscle aches, frustration, fatigue and dry cough followed closely by high temperature, chills and sometimes diarrhea. Temperatures normally reach 102-105 degrees Fahrenheit and chest X-rays usually show pneumonia.

How quickly do symptoms occur/appear?

The incubation period for legionellosis ranges from two to 10 days, but is usually five to six days.

What is the treatment for legionellosis?

Antibiotics such as for instance erythromycin, levaquin or azithromycin be seemingly effective in treating the illness.

How come legionellosis so difficult to detect?

Legionellosis frequently causes symptoms just like those brought on by other bacteria, including influenza virus and other types of bacterial pneumonia. Furthermore, the precise laboratory tests had a need to confirm the diagnosis are not always required. The diagnosis is dependent upon very specific laboratory tests involving culture of the patient's sputum or detecting the organism in urine. Routine laboratory tests will not identify the Legionella bacteria.

When does the health department examine a case of legionellosis?

Since sporadic cases are common and currently not preventable, they're often investigated simply to confirm the diagnosis and rule out an episode. If an outbreak does occur, a study to find a environmental source is done. legionella beheersplannen