Authority warns in Düren before Legionella

In the district of Düren, infections with legionella have occurred

09/20/2014

As the district Düren announced, had 42 patients within a few weeks „be treated with a certain form of community-acquired pneumonia "in Jülich hospital in five out of nine cases, the authorities were investigating the source of the pathogens.

Legionella danger mainly exists for people with weakened immune systems and the elderly
Legionella pneumophila is the name given to the bacterium that can cause high fever and pneumonia, for example when inhaled water vapor is inhaled while showering and thus enters the lungs. The pathogens usually multiply rapidly whenever water is in the lines too long. Also, a contamination in swimming pools is possible. However, legionella are not transmitted from person to person. Even when eating and drinking, there is no risk of infection, the Bavarian State Office for Health on its website. Particularly at risk for a serious disease in an infection are "people with weakened immune systems, the elderly and smokers".

Legionella were discovered in five out of nine patients studied
The source of the Legionella in the district of Düren is still unclear. So far, the pathogens have been detected in five cases in special microbiological examinations carried out by the health department. The authorities responded to an accumulation of pneumonia in Jülich. In the period from 14 August to 11 September, 42 people were treated in clinics for a particular form of pneumonia. In two of those affected the pneumonia is said to have led to death. However, in these two cases no study was carried out on Legionella. Five out of nine people tested confirmed a Legionella infection.

Searching for the source of the Legionella is running at full speed
As the district Düren further announced, the State Center for Health (LGZ) NRW is turned on. Currently, patients are questioned about their whereabouts in order to limit the source of the pathogens. „Since the incubation period is usually two to ten days, first infections may have occurred on 4 August. The last infection of these cases took place before the 10th of September“, such a message from the circle. „Whether further cases can occur in the future can not be ruled out.“

After 160 people were infected with Legionella in Warstein last year, presumably from an industrial refrigeration plant, the district of Düren had issued a notification obligation for all operators of recooling plants in the city of Jülich. (Ag)