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Legionellosis is really a bacterial disease which might cause pneumonia. Most cases occur as single isolated events. Outbreaks are relatively rare.

How come it called legionellosis?

An episode with this disease in Philadelphia in 1976, generally among people attending circumstances conference of the American Legion, generated the title "Legionnaires' Disease." Therefore, the bacterium causing the illness was named Legionella pneumophila and the name of the illness was changed to legionellosis.

Is this a brand new disease?

No. The bacterium was first recognized in 1976, but earlier cases have now been confirmed as far back as 1947.

How prevalent is legionellosis?

It is estimated that about 25,000 people create legionellosis in america annually. One more not known number are infected with the Legionella bacterium and have mild symptoms or no illness at all. Cases occur periodically and in outbreaks. Outbreaks occur most often in the summertime but cases occur all year round.

How critical could be the infection?

Legionellosis can be described as a mild respiratory illness or it can be severe enough to cause death. From 10 to 40 per cent of healthy people have antibodies showing previous exposure to the patient, but only a small proportion have a history of previous pneumonia.

Where are Legionella found?

Legionella occur normally in water and damp soil. They have been found in streams and lakes, hot and cold water taps, hot water tanks, water in ac cooling towers and evaporative condensers, and soil at excavation sites.

How is legionellosis spread?

The condition seems to be spread through the air from the earth or water supply. All studies to date demonstrate that person-to-person spread does not occur.

Who gets legionellosis?

Folks of any age can get legionellosis however the disease usually affects seniors. People with underlying illnesses such as cancer or those with decreased immune system resistance to illness are also at greater risk. It seldom occurs in otherwise healthy people.

What're the usual apparent symptoms of legionellosis?

Early outward indications of legionellosis may be flu-like with muscle pains, headache, exhaustion and dry cough followed closely by high fever, chills and sometimes diarrhoea. Conditions commonly 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 generally five to six days.

What is the procedure for legionellosis?

Antibiotics such as for example erythromycin, levaquin or azithromycin seem to be effective in treating the illness.

How come legionellosis so hard to identify?

Legionellosis usually causes symptoms just like those due to other bacteria, including influenza virus and other forms of bacterial pneumonia. Additionally, the specific laboratory tests had a need to confirm the diagnosis aren't always required. The diagnosis depends upon very specialized laboratory tests involving tradition of the patient's sputum or detecting the organism in urine. Routine laboratory tests won't recognize the Legionella bacteria.

When does medical department investigate an incident of legionellosis?

Since sporadic cases are common and presently not preventable, they are often investigated simply to confirm the diagnosis and exclude an episode. If an outbreak occurs, a study to consider a environmental source is done. legionella beheersplannen