Legionella infections in Sauerland

Already over 100 Infected sick with Legionellosis

08/26/2013

In Warstein, Germany, a veritable Legionella wave has come. The authorities now count 102 cases. In the last three days alone, 18 new cases were added. Due to the danger of the disease exists in Germany a reporting obligation as soon as the pathogen is detected directly or indirectly.

The Legionellosis is a bacterial infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Legionella. In 90 to 95 percent of cases, the trigger is the so-called Legionella pneumophila bacterium. Probably the best known form of the disease is Legionnaire's disease. Pneumonia (pneumonia), which is spread by droplet infection. Occasionally inflammations of the heart and kidney pelvis occur. The disease can sometimes be fatal. The rarer form of Legionellosis, the so-called Pontiac fever, has no symptoms of pneumonia and is usually milder.

Symptoms of Legionellosis
After an incubation period of two to ten days, non-specific symptoms that can not be clearly assigned to the disease are more likely to show. In the beginning, most patients experience fever and chills - often relatively suddenly. They also cause muscle pain, predominantly in the chest area, as well as irritating cough. In the further course, respiratory distress, headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and occasional neurological deficits can be observed.

The exact trigger of the Legionella infections in Warstein could not yet be determined. Since two men have died from the disease, the city advises the residents to avoid plants that are sprayed with water. Even air conditioning systems are the ideal breeding ground and possible transmission path of the bacteria. Especially people with a weakened immune system are particularly vulnerable and should be careful. (Fr)

Picture credits: Andreas Dengs, www.photofreaks.ws