Legionnaires' disease. What is it and how to cope?

Summer is not only time for long-awaited holidays, but also the time of atypical diseases. Among commonplace colds and angina of various kinds, Legionnaires' disease is very common. This ailment is confused with classical pneumonia. In case of severe inflammation of the lungs, it is suspected that the diagnosis is incorrect and carry out additional studies and analyzes. Why, in the summer, do health authorities monitor the largest number of outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease?

The favorite habitat of the disease is water supply systems, industrial cooling systems, air conditioners, split systems, showers, fountain, jacuzzi units and equipment for SPA salons - that is all where there are vapors or water condensate. The temperature at which active reproduction occurs varies from 35 to 45 degrees Celsius. During summer temperatures, water in stagnant reservoirs heats up and evaporates intensively, filling the air around the contaminated water with microparticles.

What is it?

Legionellosis or Legionnaires' disease is an infectious disease caused by microorganisms of the Legionella species. Pathogens of this species refer to sapronotic infections, that is, their permanent habitat is the inanimate objects of the surrounding world, such as water or moist soil.

For the first time, an outbreak in the 70s of the last century was registered in the meeting of veterans of the American Legion in the city of Philadelphia. At this time, about 35 people died unexpectedly from an unknown illness.

How does infection and classification of legionella disease occur?

Infection occurs during the inhalation of an aerosol of water that contains legionella or when contaminated water enters the body during drinking.

In the risk zone are people: with chronic diseases, immune problems, susceptible to alcoholism, heavy smokers, the elderly.

To date, accurate classification is not settled, but scientists already distinguish three types:  

• Legionnaires' disease manifests itself in the form of fever and pneumonia.
• Pontiac fever, manifestations in the form of influenza, without affecting the respiratory system.
• Fort Bragg fever, acute fever with symptoms of skin lesions.

Legionnaires' disease. Symptoms and Treatment

The incubation period of the disease for each type is different, approximately 2 to 10 days. Primary symptoms are implicit, further distinguish: headaches, fever, intoxication, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe pain in the chest, shallow breathing, rare pulse, CNS disorders and kidney function deficiency.

Treatment of legionellosis is quite successful if conducted in a hospital. The most important thing is to establish the correct diagnosis, and for this it is necessary to conduct special tests, measures to remove intoxication, correctly pick up antibacterial drugs and monitor the general condition of the patient.

Prevention of infection

The most important principle is that hygienic purity of all containers or systems is possible, where an accumulation of standing water can form. It is necessary to regularly wash the water supply and heating systems, bringing the water temperature to 60 degrees Celsius.

Thorough disinfection of plumbing systems and heating units, special attention is paid to the processing of rubber parts.

Regular and hygienic cleaning of shower cabins, baths and sprinklers for the shower will also help to prevent infection from getting sick.

When installing air conditioning in offices and apartments do not need to save on professional installation and maintenance. Regular washing systems, the replacement of filters will protect you from infection, and you do not learn what legionnaires' disease is .