Legionnaires' Disease is a lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria in freshwater environments. It is not contagious and can be transmitted through contaminated water droplets. Higher risk individuals include those aged 50 or older, smokers, chronic lung disease sufferers, and those with weakened immune systems.
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Residents of Central Harlem in New York City have been advised to exercise caution after cases of Legionnaires' disease have been identified.
It is a type of lung infection (pneumonia) caused by ‘Legionella’ bacteria; it naturally lives in freshwater environments like lakes and rivers.
It was first identified in 1977, as the cause of an outbreak of severe pneumonia in a convention centre in the USA.
It is not contagious; it doesn't spread from person to person.
Transmission => People get sick by breathing in water droplets (aerosols or mist) contaminated with the bacteria. These aerosols can come from sources like:
Symptoms start 2-10 days after exposure, include high fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headaches.
Who is at Higher Risk?
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Legionnaires' Disease in India => Largely underdiagnosed and underreported, currently not a notifiable disease; healthcare providers are not legally required to report cases to public health authorities. |
Treatment =>Legionnaires' disease is treated with antibiotics, and in severe cases, hospitalization and supportive care are needed.
Source: NDTV
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements, in the context of Legionnaires' disease: 1. It is caused by a bacterium known as Legionella pneumophila. 2. It is transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A) 1 only B) 2 only C) Both 1 and 2 D) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Legionella pneumophila is the primary causative agent. Statement 2 is incorrect: Legionnaires' disease is not transmitted from person to person. It is acquired by inhaling contaminated aerosols. |
It is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, commonly found in water.
People get infected by inhaling tiny water droplets (aerosols) contaminated with Legionella bacteria from sources like cooling towers.
Legionnaires' disease does not spread directly from one person to another.
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