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Learn about legionellosis, lung inflammation caused by an infection

TIME.CO, Jakarta – Disease legionellosis is a severe form of pneumonia or lung inflammation usually caused by an infection. It is caused by a bacterium known as legionella.

The risk of Legionnaires’ disease means that everyone has to be vigilant. This disease, which is mainly water-borne, can be severe enough to cause: inflammation on the lungs.

According to World Health OrganizationLegionellosis varies in severity, from a mild febrile illness to a severe and sometimes fatal form of pneumonia and is caused by exposure to species of Legionella bacteria present in contaminated water.

Worldwide, waterborne legionella is the most common cause of cases, including outbreaks. Legionella pneumophila and related species are commonly found in lakes, rivers, hot springs and other water sources.

The bacterium was first identified in 1977 as the cause of an outbreak of severe pneumonia at a convention center in the United States in 1976. It has since been linked to outbreaks associated with poorly maintained artificial water systems.

The disease manifests itself after a brief exposure to the source of the outbreak. The probability of disease depends on the concentration of legionella in the water source, the production and dispersion of the aerosol, host factors such as age and pre-existing health conditions.

Most people contract Legionellosis by inhaling the bacteria from water or soil. The elderly, smokers and people with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to this disease.

Starting from Mayoclino, Legionella bacteria also cause Pontiac fever, a milder flu-like illness. Pontiac fever usually resolves on its own, but untreated Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal. Although prompt treatment with antibiotics usually cures the disease, some people continue to have problems after treatment.

Most people become infected when they inhale microscopic water droplets that contain Legionella bacteria. This could come from the shower jet, from the faucet or whirlpool, or from the water from the ventilation system in the building.

In addition to inhaling the drops of water, infection It can be transmitted in other ways, such as aspiration, when fluid accidentally enters the lungs, usually by coughing or choking while drinking. Infection is also from the soil. Some people have contracted legionellosis after working in the garden or using contaminated soil.

MALINI

Read also: Covid-19-like legionellosis, watch out for symptoms

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