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The Legionnaires' disease has made headlines in the United States again following a recent outbreak in New York that has already resulted in three deaths and 67 illnesses, according to the latest report.
Although it is not a new condition, its recent emergence in densely populated urban areas like Harlem in Manhattan has drawn the attention of health authorities and the general public.
What exactly is this disease?
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Legionella pneumophila.
This bacteria mainly affects the lungs and can lead to severe respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
Although it is often mistaken for a severe flu in its initial manifestations, its progression can be rapid and devastating.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms, as reported in a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), include:
High fever.
- Persistent cough.
-Headache.
-Muscle pain.
-Fatigue and difficulty breathing.
-In some cases: diarrhea, nausea, or confusion.
Symptoms typically appear between two and fourteen days after exposure to the bacteria, although they can sometimes take longer.
The outbreak in Harlem: Three dead and more than 60 infected
The most recent outbreak is concentrated in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, where the Department of Health has confirmed the presence of the bacteria in at least 11 cooling towers.
These structures, which are part of the centralized cooling systems of large buildings, are an ideal environment for the development of Legionella if they are not properly cleaned.
Most of the cases are concentrated in zip codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039.
The Department of Health ordered the immediate initiation of remediation efforts in the affected towers.
How is Legionnaires' disease transmitted?
Unlike other respiratory infections, Legionnaires' disease is not transmitted from person to person.
The infection occurs when a person inhales small droplets of water contaminated with the bacteria.
The most common sources include:
- Cooling towers in large buildings.
- poorly disinfected Jacuzzis or spas.
-Humidifiers and faucets.
-Decorative fountains with stagnant water.
-Extensive plumbing systems or those with minimal maintenance.
"People become infected by inhaling vapor or microscopic droplets of contaminated water," emphasize the CDC.
There have also been reported cases of infection in babies born during water births or in hospitalized patients who ingested contaminated water.
The role of air conditioning and the risks of summer
The outbreak in New York has reignited concerns about the relationship between the disease and air conditioning systems.
However, experts have been clear: “household or vehicle air conditioners do not pose a danger, as they do not use water to cool the air.”
The real risk lies in centralized cooling systems that do use water, especially if they are not cleaned regularly.
Additionally, summer creates an ideal scenario for the proliferation of Legionella, as the bacteria thrive in warm and humid environments, between 25 °C and 45 °C.
The intensive use of cooling systems in these months and the accumulation of stagnant water exacerbate the problem.
Who is at greater risk?
Although not everyone exposed develops the disease, certain groups are more vulnerable:
-Individuals over 50 years old.
-Smoking or former smokers.
-Patients with chronic lung diseases.
-Immunocompromised individuals or those undergoing chemotherapy.
-Patients with diabetes, cancer, kidney or liver failure.
The disease rarely affects children, and when it does, it is usually in a mild form.
Diagnosis and treatment
The treatment of Legionnaire's disease requires appropriate antibiotics and early detection.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), if left untreated, the infection tends to worsen during the first week, potentially leading to respiratory failure, shock, or multiple organ failure.
That's why experts emphasize not to underestimate the symptoms and to seek immediate medical attention if high fever, cough, or unusual fatigue occurs, especially in at-risk groups.
Prevention: How to avoid new outbreaks?
Prevention mainly depends on the proper maintenance of water systems in buildings and public facilities. Health authorities recommend:
-Regularly clean and disinfect cooling towers.
-Maintain appropriate levels of chlorine in pools and jacuzzis.
-Rinse the faucets that are not used frequently on a weekly basis.
-Drain garden hoses.
-Clean water filters and check heaters twice a year
"The goal is to reduce the risk of Legionella bacteria multiplication and its spread," the CDC emphasizes.
Although the recent outbreak in New York has brought Legionnaires' disease back into the headlines, this is not a new phenomenon.
In the past, it has already caused significant outbreaks, and the conditions that facilitate its emergence are still present: poor maintenance, high temperatures, and complex water systems.
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