Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia that is caused by the bacteria “Legionella pneumophila” and causes an infection in the lungs. Symptoms include intense fatigue, severe headaches, muscle pain, high fever, cough, difficulty breathing and diarrhea. These bacteria that cause Legionnaires’ disease are usually found in closed areas where people are concentrated, such as hotels, hospitals and offices, and these areas create a favorable environment for the spread of the disease.
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia, is a lung infection transmitted by inhaling water droplets spread from environments such as air conditioning, jacuzzis, etc. The bacterium responsible for this disease is “Legionella pneumophila”.
Legionnaires’ disease, which increases especially with the incorrect use of air conditioning, spreads through water droplets in crowded and closed areas such as hotels, hospitals and offices. The entry of the bacteria into the body through inhalation triggers the onset of infection.
The most obvious symptom of this infection, which seriously affects the lungs, is cough. In addition to cough, high fever, diarrhea, shortness of breath, headache, muscle aches, nausea and confusion are also common.
Legionnaires’ disease can usually be controlled with antibiotic treatment, but if left untreated, it can become a serious, life-threatening health problem.
What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia that affects the lungs and its most obvious symptom is a cough. Legionnaires’ disease symptoms include:
- Cough with phlegm, dry or bloody
- High fever and chills
- Shortness of breath
- Severe headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Weakness and general fatigue
- Confusion of consciousness
- Anorexia
How is Legionnaires’ disease transmitted?
Legionnaires’ disease develops when legionella bacteria are inhaled. These bacteria live in water vapor or in fine water droplets suspended in the air. When people breathe in these microscopic water particles, the bacteria can reach the lungs and cause infection. If water systems are not regularly maintained or hygiene standards are neglected, the bacteria can multiply rapidly, increasing the risk of the disease spreading.
How is Legionnaires’ disease treated?
Legionnaires’ disease is treated with antibiotics, similar to pneumonia.
How is Legionnaires’ disease transmitted?
Strong antibiotic treatment is usually used to control the infection. Patients with respiratory distress may require oxygen support. In severe cases, hospitalization may be a safer option to closely monitor the patient and prevent complications.