Legionnaires’ disease is known to cause some pretty awful symptoms: cough that’s sometimes accompanied by the presence of blood, fever that can reach 40 C, gastrointestinal problems, shortness of breath, headaches, and more.
The American state of Michigan currently reports an increase in the number of cases of infection with Legionnaires’ disease, according to Fox News, and the health officials believe that warmer weather, rain, and flooding could have contributed to the situation. The Department of Health and Human Services announced that there are 107 cases of infection with Legionnaires’ disease among 25 counties reported between 1 and 14 July. This means an increase of 569% compared to the same period from 2020, and also a 161% increase compared to the same period from 2019.
Being precautious becomes mandatory
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and also chief deputy director for health, declared in a news release, as quoted by Fox News:
Recent weather trends including rain, flooding and warmer weather may be playing a role in the rise of reported legionellosis cases this summer,
We want everyone to be aware of Legionnaire’s disease, especially if they may be at higher risk for illness and we ask that healthcare providers remain vigilant, and test and treat appropriately.
According to the health officials, certain groups are at higher risk for illness with Legionnaires’ disease, such as smokers, older adults, and those who have a weak immune system.
Legionnaires’ disease also classifies as a form of atypical pneumonia that’s caused by any of the species of Legionella bacteria, but quite often Legionella pneumophila.
When it comes to transmission, there is some good news here: Legionnaires’ disease cannot be transmitted from person to person. The disease is usually spread by breathing in soil or aerosolized water that’s contaminated with the Legionella bacteria.
