What you need to know about legionnaires’ disease

Legionnaires’ disease has once again made its way into the headlines this week, as public health officials in southwestern Ontario have declared an outbreak of this severe respiratory illness. But what exactly is Legionnaires’ disease and how does it spread?

Legionnaires’ disease is a respiratory infection caused by the Legionella bacteria. Early symptoms of the disease include fever, chills, and a dry cough. It can progress to a serious chest infection or pneumonia, with symptoms that may include a high fever. The disease usually develops days after being exposed to the bacteria and can be fatal. The name of the disease originates from an outbreak of pneumonia that claimed the lives of 29 people at an American Legion Convention in Philadelphia in 1976.

The Legionella bacteria live in various sources of water, both natural and man-made. People can become infected by inhaling water droplets contaminated with the bacteria, which can be released into the air from sources such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and plumbing systems. It is important to note that Legionnaires’ disease cannot be spread from one person to another.

Cooling towers, a component of industrial air-conditioning equipment, can be a breeding ground for the Legionella bacteria, as they can release water droplets contaminated with the bacteria into the air. This is why outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease are often linked to cooling towers. These outbreaks tend to occur more frequently during warm weather.

Risk factors for developing Legionnaires’ disease include being older than 40 years of age, smoking, alcohol consumption, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, being immunocompromised, and recent travel.

The infection can lead to pneumonia, with symptoms that may include high fever and chills. Severe cases may require treatment in the intensive care unit. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat the infection, but in severe cases, additional treatment may be necessary to address the inflammatory response following the infection.

Prevention of Legionnaires’ disease involves proper maintenance of mist-producing devices like shower heads, hot tubs, and humidifiers. Public health authorities recommend regular cleaning and disinfection of these devices to reduce the risk of infection.

In London, Ontario, health officials have declared an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, with one death and over 40 reported cases. Investigators are working to pinpoint the source of the outbreak by analyzing environmental samples of various cooling systems in the city.

Legionnaires’ disease has been the cause of outbreaks in the past, with notable cases in Quebec City and New Brunswick. In response to these outbreaks, regulations for the operation and maintenance of cooling towers were introduced to prevent future occurrences.

Overall, Legionnaires’ disease is a serious respiratory illness that requires prompt medical attention. By understanding the causes and risk factors associated with the disease, individuals can take necessary precautions to prevent infection and minimize the spread of the Legionella bacteria.