Summer is not only the time of long-awaited vacations, but also the time of atypical diseases. Among banal colds and tonsillitis of various kinds, the disease of legionnaires is very common. This ailment is confused with classic pneumonia. In severe pneumonia, it is suspected that the diagnosis is incorrect and additional studies and tests are being carried out. Why, then, in the summer, the regulatory authorities of health record the largest number of outbreaks of legionnaire disease?
The favorite habitat of the causative agent of the disease are water supply systems, industrial cooling systems, air conditioners, split systems, showers, a fountain, jacuzzi devices and equipment for SPA salons - that is, everything where there is steam or condensation of water. The temperature at which active reproduction occurs ranges from 35 to 45 degrees Celsius. During summer temperatures, water in stagnant bodies of water is heated and evaporates intensively, filling the air around with contaminated microparticles of water.
What is it?
Legionellosis or Legionnaire's disease is an infectious disease caused by microorganisms of the Legionella species. The causative agents of this species are sapronous infections, that is, the place of their constant habitation are inanimate objects of the surrounding world, such as water or moist soil.
For the first time, an outbreak of the disease was recorded in the 70s of the last century among those gathered at the Congress of Veterans of the American Legion in the city of Philadelphia. At this time, about 35 people suddenly died from an unknown illness.
How does infection and classification of Legionellosis disease occur?
Infection occurs during the inhalation of a water aerosol that contains legionella or when contaminated water enters the body during drinking.
At risk are people: with chronic diseases, immune problems, susceptible to alcoholism, heavy smokers, the elderly.
To date, an exact classification has not been established, but scientists already distinguish three types:
- Legionnaires' disease manifests itself in the form of fever and pneumonia.
- Pontiac fever, manifestations in the form of flu, without damage to the respiratory system.
- Fort Bragg fever , acute fever with symptoms of skin lesions.
Legionnaire's disease. Symptoms and treatment
The incubation period of the disease for each type is different, from about 2 to 10 days. The primary symptoms are implicit, subsequently distinguished: headaches, fever, intoxication, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe pain in the chest area, shallow breathing, rare pulse, central nervous system disorders and renal failure.
The treatment of legionellosis is quite successful if carried out 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 relieve intoxication, choose the right antibacterial drugs and monitor the general condition of the patient.
Infection prevention
The most important principle is the hygienic cleanliness of all containers or systems where stagnant water can accumulate. It is necessary to regularly flush the water supply and heating systems, bringing the water temperature to 60 degrees Celsius.
Thorough disinfection of plumbing systems and heating units, pay special attention to the processing of rubber parts.
Regular and hygienic cleaning of showers, bathtubs and shower sprays will also help to prevent infection from an ailment.
When installing air conditioning systems in offices and apartments, you do not need to save on professional installation and maintenance. Regular system flushing, filter replacement will protect you from infection, and you will not know what the disease of legionnaires is .