In Polish Rzeszow, near the border with Ukraine, there was an outbreak of legionellosis or " legionnaires' disease” — a dangerous lung disease with a high fatality rate.
In Poland, in the Rzeszow Voivodeship, bordering Ukraine, 16 people have already died from an outbreak of legionellosis. Currently, more than 150 cases of infection with a dangerous disease have already been confirmed.
Symptoms of Legionellosis or “Legionnaires' disease”
Legionella pneumophila was first isolated in 1976 after an outbreak at the American Legion Convention in Philadelphia in the United States – hence the name “legionnaires' disease”.
Legionella microorganisms are often found in soil and fresh water. Swimming pools, humidifiers, air conditioners all rely on fresh water, which is the natural habitat for disease-causing bacteria.
For example, in the cooling system of an air conditioner, condensate accumulates, which, under the sun's rays, heats up to a high temperature, creating favorable conditions for the vital activity of legionella. However, this disease is not transmitted from person to person, infection is possible only through contact with water containing harmful bacteria.
Most often, legionellosis occurs in:
< strong>The most common symptoms of the disease:
At the initial stage, signs of damage to the respiratory tract are invisible. However, within a day from the appearance of the first symptoms, there is a sharp increase in body temperature to 39-40 degrees Celsius, shortness of breath and a strong, dry, debilitating cough. Some patients complain of hemoptysis, pain in muscles and joints.
In some cases, even disorientation in space, delirium, hallucinations are possible. In 30% of cases, respiratory failure can be fatal.
Legionellosis in Poland
As of As of August 30, neighboring Poland has recorded 16 deaths with confirmed Legionella infection. Another 155 people are infected. This was reported by the regional sanitary and epidemiological station in Rzeszow.
Most cases of infection occur precisely in Rzeszow (104 patients), Rzeszow district (35 patients) and Dębik district (4 patients).
The first case of legionellosis was detected on August 18 in Rzeszow. Now the presence of legionella has also been confirmed in one of the faucets of the Legnica hospital. However, no patient has yet been infected with the bacterium.
It is still unknown what caused the increase in the number of patients and what is the source of infection, but the Polish authorities are checking all options. Investigations are ongoing as to whether the Legionnaires' disease outbreak could have been a sabotage, given the city's role as a transit hub for the supply of equipment to Ukraine.
“The Homeland Security Agency was carrying out excess activities on this issue. In this situation, we wanted to rule out certain scenarios So far, we have not found any information that we are dealing with any kind of sabotage,” said Stanislav Zharin, adviser to the Minister Coordinator of the Polish intelligence services.
Treatment and prevention of legionellosis
Follow remember that legionellosis lives where there is water. So if people work with air conditioners in the heat or plumbing installations, you need to wear masks.
To protect yourself in everyday life, it is necessary to dry well all places in the house where there is water. That is, carefully care for showers and bathtubs, do not leave moisture there, clean air conditioners and air humidifiers in time. You should also monitor the cleanliness and dryness of the nebulizer.
Treating a deadly disease on your own is very dangerous. If you have symptoms similar to Legionnaires' disease, you should immediately consult a doctor.
In most cases, patients are prescribed:
Fluoroquinolones are given IV or orally for 7-14 days, and in patients with severe immunodeficiency, the recommended duration is sometimes up to 3 weeks. Azithromycin (for 5–10 days) is effective, while erythromycin may be less effective and should only be used to treat mild pneumonia in non-immune patients. Doxycycline is an alternative for immunocompetent patients with mild pneumonia.
The addition of rifampin is not recommended because benefit has not been proven and there is potential for harm.
Related topics:
More news
