(VOR News) – The outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City has resulted in the illness of 58 individuals and the mortality of two, as of the end of July.
The outbreak that occurred in Central Harlem has been attributed to cooling towers, which are structures that utilize a fan and water to chill buildings, by the scientists from the city’s health authority.
However, we have resolved the issue. Initially, it was reported that eleven of these structures had tested positive for a specific type of bacteria that is responsible for Legionnaires’ disease.
However, the issue has been resolved.
It was strongly advised that individuals in the vicinity who were experiencing symptoms that were similar to those of the flu contact a medical professional at their earliest convenience.
This was of the uttermost importance to individuals who were fifty years of age or older, had lung diseases that had been present for an extended period of time, or smoked. You are only required to be cognizant of this.
How do you define Legionnaires’ disease?
This specific form of pneumonia is caused by Legionella bacteria. These bacteria have the capacity to proliferate in warm water and can also replicate throughout the water systems of buildings.
In addition to hot springs and showerheads, they may also be present in cooling towers and other comparable devices. It is feasible that you will find them in these locations. One of the most common ways to contract the disease is by inhaling aerosols generated by contaminated drinking water.
In addition, hospital patients may contract the Legionnaires’ Disease by ingesting contaminated ice or drinking water that has been contaminated with the virus, according to public health officials.
Furthermore, infants may be susceptible to the disease if they ingest water that contains the harmful substance. As a result, it is wholly impossible for individuals to acquire it from one another. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, symptoms may manifest within two days to two weeks of exposure.
For the majority of patients, this is the moment at which symptoms appeared. This condition has been linked to various symptoms, such as wheezing, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and shortness of breath.
What are the potential therapies for Legionnaires’ disease, in addition to the symptoms and indicators that are associated with this condition? Public health professionals have emphasized the significance of receiving both a diagnosis and treatment with the appropriate antibiotics as soon as feasible.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the severity of the illness can deteriorate during the initial week when treatment is not administered. Shock, renal or organ failure, and respiratory system failure are among the potential complications that may develop.
What can one do to prevent Legionnaires’ Disease from occurring?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the personnel responsible for the safety of water systems and buildings have the capacity to mitigate the risk by instituting measures that will limit the bacterium’s growth.
To illustrate, they should conduct routine cleansing and disinfection of cooling towers, ensure that spa pools are adequately chlorinated, and flush the taps of buildings that are not in use once a week during the week. The following are just a few of the objectives that personnel responsible for water safety should be able to accomplish.
By performing various preventative measures within the confines of their residences, it is feasible for individuals to mitigate their susceptibility to Legionnaires’ disease.
According to the health officials of New York, it is recommended that garden hoses be drained, water filters be cleaned and replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, chlorine levels in pools and hot tubs be regularly monitored, and hot water heaters be flushed once or twice annually.
SOURCE: AP
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