What exactly is Legionellosis, and how can it be treated?
Legionellosis is also known as Pontiac fever or Legionnaires disease. It is caused by Legionella bacteria. Legionella bacteria is naturally present in hot tubs, plumbing systems, and cooling towers. Legionella can be inhaled from water sources such as hot tubs, cooling towers and air conditioners.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 8,000 and 18,000 Americans are admitted each year with Legionnaires disease. According to how fast a patient receives treatment, the mortality rate of Legionnaires disease can vary from 5- 30% to 30%. Legionnaires disease is more common in the elderly, smokers and people with weak immune systems.
Legionellosis: Common Causes
Legionella bacteria is responsible for Legionellosis. It can be found in freshwater environments naturally. Legionella bacteria is a warm- and moist-loving organism that thrives in humid environments. It can build up in hot tubs and cooling towers as well as plumbing systems. Legionella can be contracted by inhaling tiny drops of water contaminated with bacteria.
If water systems are not maintained properly, public areas such as hospitals, hotels and office buildings can become susceptible to Legionella bacteria. Legionella bacteria may also be spread by humidifiers and air conditioners.
Common Treatments For Legionellosis
Antibiotics are used to treat Legionnaires disease. The most common antibiotics prescribed are Azithromycin and levofloxacin. To reduce complications and prevent death, treatment should be initiated as soon as possible. Legionnaires disease, if left untreated can lead to death.
Supportive care is also possible. Supportive care may include intravenous fluids and oxygen, along with treating other medical conditions. Sometimes, mechanical ventilation is necessary to assist the patient in breathing.
Legionellosis: Experts' and professional opinions
Experts are unanimous in their assessment that Legionnaires disease poses a grave health risk, especially for those with compromised immune systems. Legionella can be found in nursing homes, hotels, or other settings. The CDC advises people who visit these places to take preventative measures. Avoiding contact with the aerosols from showers or air conditioners is one way to prevent infection. Another method is to ensure that water systems and plumbing are maintained properly.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), all countries should have laws in place that ensure water systems and cooling towers can be regularly tested for and disinfected. WHO also recommends healthcare facilities to have protocols to quickly detect and respond in case of Legionnaires disease outbreaks.
Tips and Natural Remedies for Prevention
There is currently no cure for Legionnaires disease. However, there are ways to lower the chance of getting it. Regular testing for Legionella bacteria is recommended. Legionella can be found in some environments, so it is important to take care not to come into contact with the aerosols that are used for air conditioning units and showers.
Individuals should take the following steps to reduce their risk of contracting Legionnaires disease:
- Make sure that your baths and showers are free from debris.
- Before using hot water taps, make sure they are running for at least one minute
- Regularly clean humidifiers, and air conditioning units
- Do not drink from pools or fountains.
- Regularly inspect water pipes and tanks
These steps will help to reduce your risk of Legionnaires disease or other diseases caused by Legionella bacteria.
Conclusion
Legionnaires disease, which is caused by Legionella bacteria, can be fatal and serious. Legionnaires' disease is more common in the elderly and smokers. Legionnaires disease is most commonly treated with antibiotics, although supportive care might also be required. Legionnaires disease can be prevented by maintaining water systems regularly and reducing exposure to aerosols.